The US State Department currently maintains a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for mainland China, citing concerns about arbitrary law enforcement, exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detention. But what do Chinese officials say in response? And what do the actual numbers tell us about safety for foreign visitors?
This article examines the Chinese government's official position, presents publicly available tourism statistics, and offers practical guidance for travelers making informed decisions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons have consistently disputed the US travel advisory, characterizing it as politically motivated and not based on facts.
In September 2020, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated during a routine press conference:
"China is one of the safest countries in the world. Of course, foreigners in China also have an obligation to abide by Chinese laws. The US side should fully respect facts when formulating travel advisories and should not engage in groundless political manipulation."
This position has been reiterated by multiple spokespersons over the years. In January 2019, spokesperson Lu Kang responded to an earlier version of the US travel advisory:
"The Chinese government always protects the safety and legitimate rights and interests of foreign citizens in China in accordance with the law, including their freedom of entry and exit. The travel advisory issued by the US side frankly cannot withstand scrutiny."
In July 2023, after the US updated its advisory to elevate the "risk of wrongful detention" to Level 3, spokesperson Mao Ying addressed the issue:
"Any country has the right to safeguard national security through domestic legislation. This is standard practice worldwide. China comprehensively advances the rule of law, consistently adheres to legal principles, regulates law enforcement in accordance with the law, and protects the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations."
Mao Ying was referring to China's Foreign Relations Law and revised Counter-Espionage Law, which took effect in 2023. Chinese officials emphasize that these laws are consistent with international practice and that lawful enforcement protects national security.
Beyond official statements, tourism statistics provide a concrete picture of foreign visitor experiences in China.
According to data released by China's National Immigration Administration in January 2026:
These figures, published in China's National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin, represent the highest inbound tourism numbers on record.
China has significantly expanded visa-free access in recent years:
The top source markets in 2025 were South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan — all visa-free countries.
With over 82 million foreign entries in 2025 and sustained growth, the statistical reality suggests that the vast majority of foreign visitors — including Americans — travel through China without encountering legal issues.
As spokesperson Lu Kang noted in 2019: "From January to November 2018, 2.3 million Americans traveled to China — that's 70 Americans per 10,000 population, significantly higher than the proportion of Chinese visiting the US. These numbers speak for themselves."
For travelers concerned about the legal environment, it's worth understanding what Chinese officials say about their legal system.
Chinese officials emphasize that all law enforcement is conducted within a legal framework. The Foreign Ministry has stated:
Based on official statements, Chinese authorities have indicated that law enforcement actions primarily target:
Chinese officials maintain that such cases represent an extremely small fraction of the total foreign visitor population and that due process is followed.
Regardless of which government's advisory you reference, certain practical precautions apply to all international travel.
It's worth noting that travel advisories are diplomatic tools as much as they are safety warnings. The Chinese government has issued its own travel advisories for the United States, warning Chinese citizens about:
In August 2025, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ying stated that Chinese students had been subjected to "discriminatory, political, and selective law enforcement" when entering the US, with some held for over 70 hours of interrogation.
This reciprocal advisory environment reflects broader geopolitical tensions rather than purely objective safety assessments.
The decision to travel to China is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and the purpose of your trip.
Ultimately, the best approach is to stay informed through multiple sources — including your own government's advisory, local news, and firsthand accounts from recent travelers — and make a decision that aligns with your comfort level.
According to Chinese officials and tourism statistics, China is considered one of the world's safest countries for visitors. In 2025, over 82 million foreigners entered China, and the vast majority traveled without incident.
The US State Department maintains a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for mainland China, citing concerns about arbitrary law enforcement and wrongful detention. However, Chinese officials dispute these claims as politically motivated.
Chinese officials state that all law enforcement actions are conducted according to Chinese law. While isolated cases involving individuals suspected of national security violations have been reported, they represent a tiny fraction of the millions of Americans who visit China.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately. US citizens should also have the contact information for the nearest US consulate. Chinese officials state that foreign citizens have the right to consular access and legal representation.
Yes. Chinese officials have consistently stated that China welcomes foreign visitors and has implemented extensive visa-free policies to facilitate tourism. The record-breaking inbound tourism numbers in 2025 support this position.
Last updated: September 10, 2026. Information based on official statements from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and statistics from the National Immigration Administration and National Bureau of Statistics.