The Chinese embassy has issued a warning to the tourists for U.S. gun violence and health care costs.
The warning posted in Chinese language website regarding summer vacation travel, particularly in regards to students studying abroad, warning visitors of gun violence, theft, robbery, and high medical costs.
The noticed advised that the visitors to purchase insurance for travel in the United States and beware of how to contact emergency services via 911. The notice comes at a time of increasingly tense Sino-American political and trade tensions, greater concerns within the United States about gun violence and gun laws, and an overall drop in tourist arrivals to the U.S.
The embassies and consulates frequently issue warnings about travel and safety. However, this latest notice from the Chinese embassy takes a noticeably more blunt tone about security, the cost of health care, and law enforcement in the United States.
In the notice, the Chinese embassy has issued a warning to Chinese visitors, where it is taken American medical treatment is extremely expensive and visitors should purchase medical and personal accident insurance according to their personal health and financial situations.
The Chinese embassy also argues that the U.S. public security is not sufficient; shootings, robberies, and theft are frequent. While far from the highest in the world, the rate of firearm-related death in the United States is abnormally high, especially when compared to developed countries.
The embassy also warns Chinese citizens about the potential for unjust inspection by U.S. border and customs agents. According to the warning, American border and customs law enforcement agents have the right to inspect all persons entering the country (including U.S. citizens), to check nationality, purpose of entry, and items carried, including luggage, electronics, and cars. The notice also warns Chinese visitors that while they can be legally subject to search of their persons or luggage without a warrant, they should document any discrimination or illegal practices on the part of U.S. law enforcement officials.
This notice comes at an unfortunate time for the U.S. tourism industry, which has suffered from a significant slump in international tourists’ arrivals last year.
