China tells citizens not to enter U.S. through Sea-Tac Airport after scholars were denied entry

Chinese citizens are being told not to travel to the United States through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement stating ‘X’ regarding the warning.

Reuters translated the announcementHe said 20 Chinese scientists were denied entry on their way to an academic conference. It is stated that all of the academics had valid visas and were subjected to ‘unreasonable interrogations’ by US Customs and Border Patrol officers at Sea-Tac.

KIRO 7 News reached out to both the airport and the Border Patrol regarding the allegations.

The Port of Seattle sent the following statement:

“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 federally regulated, public airport, the Port has no control over operations or entry requirements for incoming international passengers. This process is controlled solely by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

We expect all passengers arriving at SEA to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness in line with our Welcoming Port Policy.“

Border Patrol has not yet responded.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens to “strengthen security awareness and avoid entering this airport,” according to a translation from Reuters.

The ministry asked its citizens to respond calmly and logically if US law enforcement questions them while traveling.