Chinese FM issues alert for safety in US

Chen Xiongfeng (C), deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks during a press briefing in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday issued an alert for Chinese tourists and institutions to raise security awareness in the United States.

Chen Xiongfeng, deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press briefing that U.S. law enforcement agencies had recently used various methods such as immigration checks and on-site interviews to harass Chinese citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States reminded Chinese citizens traveling to the United States and Chinese-funded institutions in the United States to raise their security awareness, step up precautions and take appropriate and preventative measures, Chen said.

In case of emergency, please contact the Chinese embassy or consulates in the United States for assistance, Chen added.

Recently, a number of Chinese citizens have reported to Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States that they have been subjected to unwarranted interrogation and checks by U.S. law enforcement agencies when they entered the country or were in its territory, Chen said when responding to a question about the alert.

"The Chinese side has repeatedly expressed its concerns to the U.S. side," Chen said, adding that it was completely right to issue the alert.

"We hope the situation can be improved as soon as possible," he said.

"Personnel exchanges are the basis for promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States in various areas. People-to-people exchanges and cooperation serve the common interests of both sides and the common aspirations of both peoples."

China hopes that the U.S. side will take more positive measures to facilitate personnel exchanges and create better conditions for bilateral cooperation in various fields, Chen said.

The alert is valid until Dec. 31, 2019, according to the Department of Consular Affairs of the Foreign Ministry.

Editor: John Li