SEATAC, Wash. — China is warning its citizens to exercise caution when entering the United States through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport following an incident reportedly involving a group of Chinese academics who were reportedly denied entry.
Details surrounding the situation remain unclear, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet responded to requests for comment.
However, Chinese officials issued the warning Thursday morning via X.
In a statement, China’s consular affairs office said 20 Chinese scholars with valid visas were recently subjected to what it described as “unreasonable questioning” before being denied entry into the United States.
The statement also cited what it called repeated incidents at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport involving “malicious inspections and harassment” targeting Chinese academics. Officials urged travelers to familiarize themselves with U.S. entry regulations and be prepared for additional scrutiny.
The South China Morning Post reported the group was traveling to attend a conference when they were stopped by U.S. border officials at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, who also served as U.S. ambassador to China, said the situation raises concerns at a sensitive moment in U.S.-China relations.
“This really is very puzzling,” Locke said. “It makes no sense and does not set a good tone for upcoming meetings between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping.”
The relationship between the United States and China is very tense right now, dealing with tariffs and, of course, now with conflict in the Middle East and attacks involving Iran,” Locke added. “I’m sure the upcoming meeting will include discussions about Iran and how China might influence it to de-escalate, as well as issues like nuclear proliferation. But turning away academics who were previously approved by the State Department does not set a good tone.
Experts said the incident could have broader implications if similar situations continue.
It’s something that will affect the relationship to a degree, particularly if there are repeats in other areas,” said David Bachman, chair of the China Studies Program at the University of Washington. “If this is a one-off, then things won’t be too bad. But if it reflects a more general policy, we are likely to see reciprocation from China, with American tourists, travelers, and scholars potentially turned back at the border.
Bachman said future travel could also be affected, including major international events.
“We have the World Cup coming up, and there will be Chinese visitors who want to attend games here and in other parts of the country,” he said. “If they’re discouraged from coming, this could have an economic impact, as well as implications for U.S.-China relations.”
In a statement, the Port of Seattle emphasized it does not control federal inspection processes:
The Port of Seattle, which owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), reaffirms its commitment to being a welcoming gateway for people and commerce.As a public-use airport subject to federal regulation, the Port does not have control over operations or entry requirements for arriving international passengers. This process is exclusively controlled by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).We expect that all arriving passengers to SEA are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness in line with our Welcoming Port Policy.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet provided any further details on the alleged incident involving the 20 Chinese scholars.
