China tells citizens to avoid Sea-Tac after scholars denied entry

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned its citizens Thursday not to travel to the U.S. through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and to be cautious of traveling to the states altogether.

The government agency said 20 Chinese scholars were traveling to attend an academic conference with valid U.S. visas, but were denied entry after being subjected to unreasonable questioning" by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers at Sea-Tac, according to Reuters, which translated the foreign ministry's notice.

提醒赴美国中国公民注意入境安全风险 pic.twitter.com/OUQrprrgSz

- China Consular Affairs (@Consular_CHN) April 16, 2026

Chinese citizens were advised to "strengthen safety awareness, avoid entering through ​this airport … ​and make ⁠all necessary preparations," due to "repeated incidents ​of malicious questioning and ​harassment ⁠targeting Chinese scholars" at Sea-Tac.

The ministry advised citizens to respond calmly and rationally if they are questioned by U.S. law enforcement officers.

Port of Seattle spokesperson Perry Cooper said the airport has a "commitment to being a welcoming gateway for people and commerce," but that entry for international flyers is exclusively a CBP matter.

"We expect that all arriving passengers to SEA are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, Cooper said.

Customs and Border Patrol did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 3:47 PM.