2020 Crime & Safety Report:

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. in Chengdu. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the southwestern Chinese provinces of , , , Xizang (), and . For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s China country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

Note that the Regional Security Office submitted this report prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, and it represents a picture of the baseline security environment as of the beginning of 2020. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication advises avoiding travel to China the novel coronavirus. However, the Travel Advisory in effect prior to the outbreak assessed China at Level 2, indicating travelers should Exercise increased caution in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese citizens. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Chinese authorities have asserted broad authority to prohibit U.S. citizens from leaving China by using exit bans, sometimes keeping U.S. citizens in China for years. China uses exit bans coercively:

• to compel U.S. citizens to participate in Chinese government investigations; • to lure individuals back to China from abroad; and • to aid Chinese authorities in resolving civil disputes in favor of Chinese parties.

In most cases, U.S. citizens only become aware of the exit ban when they attempt to depart China. Authorities have harassed and threatened U.S. citizens subject to exit bans. U.S. citizens may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens may be subject to interrogations and extended detention for reasons purportedly related to state security.

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence, are common in the Uighur and Tibet Autonomous Regions.

China does not recognize dual nationality. U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Chengdu as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Chegndu is generally safe when compared to urban areas of similar size (14 million people). The northern sector of the city, especially near the train station, has a slightly higher rate of crime. The robust police and security service deters most serious crimes, while petty crime does occur with some regularity.

1 Sichuan province, including Chengdu, experiences fewer financial crimes and scams in comparison to southeastern provinces, but such crimes do occur.

Generally, lesser-developed areas in major cities have a higher rate of crime. Statistically, more crimes of opportunity transpire during overnight hours. For example, individuals who frequent bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments are more likely to be involved in physical altercations after midnight.

Training, capability, and responsiveness of Chinese authorities varies by region and city. The income disparity in Chinese society has been a source of social friction and is a root cause for much of the economic crime experienced in and other large Chinese cities. This includes pickpocketing, credit card fraud, and various financial scams, many of which target foreign victims because of their perceived wealth. Pickpocketing on public transportation during peak hours, in shopping areas, and at tourist sites is common. In such locations, travelers may have little or no personal space, making them more vulnerable to pickpocketing and petty theft. Thieves target cash, credit cards, jewelry, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices, among other personal belongings. At tourist sites, thieves are generally more interested in cash, and will immediately abandon credit cards; in shopping areas, they may seek cash and credit cards. Make copies of your passport photo page and visa, as well as credit card numbers (to include telephone contact information in the event the card is stolen), and store in your hotel or residence – and keep a copy of the photo saved on your phone – in the event the actual items are stolen. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Criminals often work in teams and use distraction techniques; some may carry knives, even if they do not routinely brandish them.

Violent crime is relatively uncommon. Violent crime affecting the expatriate community most often occurs in bars, nightclubs, and other nightlife establishments. Bar fights often involve excessive drinking, insults regarding ethnicity/nationality, and disputes over women, and usually result in large numbers of local patrons physically overwhelming foreigners. While the legal age for consuming alcohol is 18, most establishments do not require identification. Some bars are overcrowded, and authorities do not routinely enforce safety standards. Prostitutes and drugs are present in some clubs and karaoke bars.

Travelers may encounter scenes of domestic violence or assault on the street. These incidents usually involve shoving, punching, and kicking. Even when a crowd forms, no one generally intervenes to stop the assault for fear of blame or liability. If necessary, locate the nearest police officer or station for assistance.

Workplace violence and assaults are less common but also occur, with several expatriates reportedly receiving threats or assaulted because of contract or wage disputes with business partners and employers. Review OSAC’s report, Detained in China.

Sexual assaults have occurred, although reported incidents remain relatively rare. Most instances follow the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages in bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors. Other factors potentially contributing to sexual assault include the use of unlicensed taxis, undertaking high-risk activities, or failing to follow best security practices. Review OSAC’s report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

2 Criminals use various scams to defraud foreign victims. While there have been instances of robbery by force, many cases appear to have involved a variation of the same scam. Typically, scammers invite a victim to a specific location for a massage, , drinks, or music, or to view an art exhibition or practice English skills. While in the establishment, criminals confront the victim and force them to turn over a credit card under the threat of violence. The criminals then charge the credit cards with thousands of dollars in purchases, for which the victim must sign the receipt. In most cases, criminals release the victims unharmed, though distraught or embarrassed, with further threats of violence should they notify the police. Although this trend has occurred for several years, it appears to be continuing unabated. Local police are willing to engage, but often seem unwilling to investigate the crimes if the complainant is no longer present in China. In instances where the victim reported the crime to the police immediately, there has been limited success in recovering lost money or valuables, but evidence of prosecutions is scarce. Review OSAC’s reports, Common China Scams and Common China Scams pt. II: Theft/Extortion.

Scammers send text messages and emails referring to fraudulent bills and/or traffic tickets to trick people into paying money.

Scammers use information gained from recent data security breaches to trick their victims into believing that they are legitimate callers. For example, a caller may reference a victim’s name, address, ID number, member names, and/or school to trick the victim into sending them money.

Scammers pose as a police officers, and place telephone calls requesting a funds transfer to resolve an identity theft or money laundering investigation. The situation can be “resolved” if the victim agrees to the transfer.

Another reported scam occurs when bad weather cancels flights. An individual at the airport approaches stranded passengers and asks if they need a hotel room. The individual appears to work for the airport, wears an ID badge, and carries a radio. They call a vehicle, which takes the passengers to a hotel, and have them pay the driver. Upon check-out, they discover that they paid the driver at least double the hotel rate, and that the scammers had no affiliation with the airport or hotel.

Counterfeit is a significant concern in China, as evidenced by the scrutiny storeowners exercise when receiving payment in cash, and the use of a money-counting machine prior to acceptance to ensure validity. Unsuspecting visitors receive fraudulent notes at restaurants, stores, ATMs, and in taxi cabs. Large numbers of 100 RMB and 50 RMB counterfeit notes are regularly in circulation, though smaller denominations (such 10 RMB and 20 RMB notes) may also be counterfeit. Understand the signatures of authentic currency and do not change money with individuals on the street. Moneychangers offering unrealistic exchange rates often use counterfeit currency. Counterfeiting is becoming less common, as most people in China now use WeChat, AliPay, or other forms of electronic payment instead of cash. Use ATMs only at trusted financial institutions. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

A common taxi scam occurs when passengers pay with a 100 RMB note. The driver switches the note with a counterfeit bill, “returns” the bill, and rejects it as counterfeit – only to then demand another genuine note. Carrying small bills or using exact change, particularly in taxis, can help protect you.

3 Cybersecurity Issues

There is no expectation of privacy in China. The Chinese government has the capability to monitor cellphones, tablets, and computers connected to the internet. The Chinese government has publicly declared that it regularly monitors private email and Internet browsing through cooperation with the limited number of internet service providers (ISPs) and wireless providers operating in China. Wireless access to the Internet in major metropolitan areas is becoming more common, so Chinese authorities can access official and personal computers more easily. U.S. government employees have reported seeing unknown computers and devices accessing their home networks; these intrusions likely required advanced computer knowledge and network password hacking.

The government proactively monitors all media outlets, and will temporarily block international media outlets during broadcasts of news stories considered unfavorable to the Chinese government. OSAC members frequently report incidents involving restricted bandwidth or high latency, making email and internet browsing frustratingly slow.

Cyber threat actors target foreign governments and members of the private sector. Foreign individuals and organizations should remain vigilant against potential intrusions to their proprietary networks and information technology systems. China is known for the use of sophisticated cyber capabilities including spear phishing, targeting of mobile devices, social , and network manipulation. Viruses, malware, and other forms of malicious software are common.

The government controls the internet within China and restricts or blocks completely access to some common websites based outside of China. WeChat and other alternative Chinese applications are nearly ubiquitous; however, they have built-in features that allow the Chinese government to monitor and censor messages, read the device’s address book, access photos, track the user’s current location, and even activate the microphone or camera. China widely monitors social media accounts. Local authorities may use information they deem controversial against both the poster of the material and the host of the forum. Bloggers are subject to particular scrutiny, and may have content blocked depending on the profile, following, and content.

Information security in China is an organization-wide challenge that merges both physical and cyber security. An holistic approach to defend against a perceived increase in cybersecurity threats includes the following basic countermeasures:

• Use “burner” devices containing limited information and erase or dispose of them after a trip is complete; • Minimize the number of mobile devices you carry, and keep devices with you at all times to maintain their integrity; • Do not accept electronic gifts, including USB devices, even from people you trust; • Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Review OSAC’s reports, Trends in Chinese Cyber Espionage Campaigns and Virtual Private Networks In China: Are They Legal?

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and All That You Should Leave Behind.

4 Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

The physical road conditions in cities are generally good; in contrast, driving conditions in rural areas are usually poor. Avoid driving outside the city in darkness due to poor lighting and road hazards, such as stopped vehicles and other obstructions. Driving on the highways can be especially dangerous. Drivers often go in excess of the posted speed limit. Cameras monitor the road; very bright lights flash every time a passes a monitoring station, which can cause serious issues with night vision and the ability to see the road properly. Avoid driving at night on highways if possible.

Chengdu currently ranks second nationwide in the number of registered vehicles. The increase in the number of vehicles on the roads causes increased congestion and traffic problems. Many drivers are relatively new and inexperienced, leading to erratic driving behaviors. These include stopping in the middle of the road for no apparent reason, making turns from the wrong lanes, and failing to yield the right of way. Using a phone while driving is ubiquitous; although illegal, authorities rarely enforce the law. These conditions, coupled with aggressive taxi drivers, make driving risky. Drive defensively and prepare for the unexpected.

Electric scooters are numerous, and maneuver through all available gaps in traffic and into oncoming traffic. They are especially prevalent on sidewalks and travel in both directions, often in total silence. At night, operators of electric scooters and bicycles do not use lights to indicate their presence. Scooters and bicycles tend to bottleneck at sidewalk intersections ramps. Avoid ramps while crossing streets.

Most accidents are minor and resolve on the scene. must remain at the scene of the accident and are not expected to pull over to the side of the road. In traffic accidents involving foreigners, authorities often rule the foreigner at fault. Do not react to aggressive driving by local nationals, and attempt to defuse tense situations in a safe, expeditious manner.

All drivers must possess a Chinese driver’s license. International or U.S. licenses are not valid.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Taxis are inexpensive and relatively reliable. Travelers should not have to negotiate the price of a trip. If the taxi driver refuses to use the fare meter, take a different taxi. Use marked cabs; unregistered taxicabs continue to be a concern. In a limited number of cases, travelers have reported having their luggage stolen and taxi drivers charging exorbitant fares. Luggage theft typically involves a taxi transporting individuals to/from the airport with the driver intentionally leaving before bags are unloaded. This can occur with either marked or unmarked taxis. Taxis often do not have seatbelts in the rear seats.

Be aware of a scam by taxi drivers when using cash to pay the fare. See the crime section above.

When traveling from the Chengdu airport into town after business hours, taxis will often refuse to use the fare meter and try to charge a higher flat rate. Reminding the taxi driver will often get them to activate the meter, if reluctantly. Touts will also try to convince arriving passengers to use unregistered taxis, which often will attempt to charge exorbitant rates.

5 Didi and other similar ride-sharing services are popular. However, conflicts between drivers and other taxi services or law enforcement have occurred. In 2018, domestic and international media reported on several instances in which Didi drivers assaulted their passengers, including cases of sexual assault/rape, and two homicides. While most of these crimes took place outside of Sichuan province, there was at least one reported instance of sexual harassment in Chengdu, in which a driver made repeated advances toward his passenger, a 10-year old girl. In response to growing safety concerns, Didi halted its late-night service for a week and implemented new safety features that allow users to share their location with their family and friends, record audio, and call the police.

Public transportation in major metropolitan areas is comparatively modern. Buses and subways are well established and cover large areas of the city, but are often crowded.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the ’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of China’s air carrier operations. There are numerous domestic and international flights out of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Flight delays are common, sometimes making travel planning difficult. Delays may result from sudden military closures or poor weather/air conditions, among other factors, and may not be announced/explained to passengers in a timely manner. Flights have diverted to other cities in the past due to low visibility from pollution. If traveling, especially during the winter months, keep contact phone numbers handy in case your flight diverts. A second international airport is expected to open in 2020.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Chengdu as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. experienced no incidents related to terrorism in 2019. There is no significant transnational terrorist presence known in China. rights organizations maintain that China uses counterterrorism as a pretext to suppress Uighurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group that comprises a large percentage of the population in Xinjiang, northeastern China

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Chengdu as being a LOW-threat location for political violence. Civil unrest remains extremely rare. Chinese security forces use ubiquitous technical surveillance, pressure tactics, arrests, and violence to discourage public protest. In 2018, on at least two occasions, Chinese veterans numbering in the thousands protested in Chengdu for improved employment opportunities and pension benefits. In these instances, photos showed the local police using force on the protestors, injuring an undetermined number of individuals. Local authorities quickly shut down these protests and made vigorous attempts to erase all signs of their conduct from the Chinese media.

6 The Chinese government controls all information available to Chinese citizens by censoring topics in books, social media, news outlets, radio broadcasts, billboards, and magazines. Most Chinese citizens are unaware of controversial Chinese issues well known outside of China.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

The government remains focused on maintaining social stability and preventing civil unrest over economic and social grievances. In recent years, the largest and most violent incidents have taken place in ethnic minority areas (Tibet, Xinjiang) where grievances over human rights abuses and discriminatory policies have resulted in spontaneous outbursts of violence targeting the government and interests.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Natural disasters are not uncommon in China, in 2019 Sichuan Province experienced 11 earthquakes of 4.5-magnitude or greater. In 2008, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan province, killing more than 69,000 people and leaving nearly five million people homeless. Chengdu experienced minimal damage, but cities 50 miles to the northwest were devastated. Strong earthquakes in 2017 and 2019 killed dozens and caused major property damage.

Large snowstorms haves brought parts of the country to a virtual standstill at times. However, Chengdu rarely experiences snow during the winter months. It is common for the mountains around Chengdu (2- hour drive) to experience snowfall. In these areas, even smaller-scale storms often to multiple traffic accidents. Snow removal is typically slow and involves laborers armed with shovels and .

Record flooding hit Chengdu and Sichuan Province in 2018 and 2019. The heavy rains typically occur in June and July, and have caused flooding throughout . Deadly floods have affected Chengdu, Chongqing, and the mountainous surroundings, resulted in homes and swept away, metro system flooding, and airport closures.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Accidents and fatalities continue to plague China’s heavy industries. Worker safety and quality assurance procedures have improved slightly, but typically do not meet Western standards. Commercial transportation accidents involving motorized vehicles are common. Trucks are often overloaded and drivers are poorly trained. Bus accidents are also common in China. Poor driver training, overloaded buses, and the lack of safety checks are major contributors to accidents.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

There is no expectation of privacy in public or private locations. The Consulate regularly receives reports of human and technical monitoring of U.S. businesspersons and other visiting U.S. citizens. The areas around U.S. and other foreign diplomatic facilities and residences are under overt physical and video surveillance; China stations security personnel U.S. facilities and around U.S. residences; and CCTV cameras are visible throughout . Overt microphones and video cameras are common in Chinese taxis.

7 Activities and conversations in hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, and taxis are subject to onsite or remote monitoring. Authorities may access hotel rooms, residences, and offices at any time without the occupants’ consent or knowledge. Authorities may search personal possessions, including computers, in hotel rooms without the knowledge or consent of the owner. and public areas of housing compounds are under continuous surveillance.

Consulate employees do not discuss sensitive information in their homes, vehicles, or offices. Private- sector travelers should take similar precautions to safeguard sensitive, personal, and/or proprietary information. Be particularly mindful that it is Chinese policy to take trade secrets, negotiating positions, and other business-sensitive information to share with China-based competitors, counterparts, and/or Chinese regulatory and legal entities. Several U.S. firms have complained about theft of intellectual property, and are pursuing legal action in Chinese courts. A lack of transparency regarding business practices is as a danger for foreigners conducting business in China. Do not bring any electronics (personal or work) with sensitive information you do not want compromised.

Counterfeit products such as pharmaceuticals, DVDs and designer handbags, are readily available, but it is illegal to import them into the U.S. U.S. Customs officials have the authority to seize suspect goods and impose fines on travelers caught attempting to enter the U.S. with counterfeit items.

Personal Identity Concerns

Nationalism is rising quickly. In altercations between foreigners and Chinese, authorities usually blame the foreigner and find them at fault.

Although many women experience workplace sexual harassment, very few report it. One survey shows nearly 40% of women in China said they had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. The Law on the Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests empowers victims to file a sexual harassment complaint with their employer, authorities, or both. Employers who fail to take effective measures to prevent sexual harassment could receive fines. Many women remain unwilling to report incidents of sexual harassment, believing the justice system is ineffectual. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

China does not legally recognize same-sex marriages. Local authorities will not provide marriage certificates to same-sex couples. There are no civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, though same-sex sexual acts are no longer illegal. Prejudices and discrimination still exist in many parts of the country. There are growing LGBTI+ communities in some of China’s largest cities and violence against LGBTI+ individuals in China is relatively rare.

LGBTI+ individuals report incidents of violence, including domestic violence. LGBTI+ individuals encounter difficulties in seeking legal redress, since regulations on domestic violence, including the Family Violence Law, do not include recognition of same-sex relations. Redress is limited further by societal discrimination and traditional norms, resulting in most LGBTI+ persons refraining to publicly discuss their sexual orientation or gender identity. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

8 U.S. citizens with mobility disabilities may face challenges while traveling in China. Sidewalks often do not have curb cuts and many streets can be crossed only via pedestrian bridges or underpasses accessible by staircase. Assistive technologies for blind people and those with other vision disabilities are unreliable, and access to elevators in public buildings can be restricted. In major cities, public restrooms in places visited by tourists usually have a least one accessible toilet. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

In 2018, the central government implemented revisions to the Regulations on Religious Affairs. The revisions require religious groups to register with the government, increase penalties for “providing facilities” for unauthorized religious activities, and restrict contact with overseas religious institutions. These measures also included a new requirement for religious groups to seek approval to travel abroad and a prohibition on “accepting domination by external forces.” Citing these revised religious regulations, local authorities detained hundreds of members of the Early Rain Church – Chengdu’s largest house church – in 2018. Chinese authorities have detained, fined, and revoked the Chinese visas of U.S. citizens who security personnel alleged to have engaged in unauthorized religious activities while in China.

China continues its campaign of mass detention of members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang). Authorities have arbitrarily detained more than one million Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other in extrajudicial internment camps designed to erase religious and ethnic identities. Chinese government officials justified the camps under the pretense of combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. International media, human rights organizations, and former detainees reported security officials in the camps abused, tortured, and killed detainees. Government documents, as published by international media, corroborated the coercive nature of the campaign and its impact on members of Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang and abroad. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Authorities have interrogated or detained U.S. citizens and those from other countries visiting or resident in China for reasons purportedly related to state security. In such circumstances, individuals could face arrest, detention, or an exit ban prohibiting departure from China for a prolonged period. Dual U.S.- Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage may be at a higher risk of facing such special scrutiny. The Chinese government uses exit bas coercively to compel U.S. citizens to participate in Chinese government investigations; to lure individuals back to China from abroad; to aid Chinese authorities in resolving civil disputes in favor of Chinese parties.

In the past few years, U.S. citizens with Tibetan ethnic or family ties reported having to undergo a discriminatory Chinese visa application process, different from what is typically required of most travelers to China, at Chinese embassies and in the U.S. Chinese authorities regularly denied their visa applications. On several occasions, Chinese authorities barred the entry into China of several U.S. citizens with Tibetan ethnic or family ties, despite their having valid Chinese visas in their U.S. passports.

Travelers with ethnic or familial ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region may experience special restrictions, discrimination, and even arbitrary detention.

Drug-related Crimes

Illicit drugs (e.g. and ) are available in Chengdu and other parts of . Yunnan province, particularly city, has seen an increased level of criminal activity involving illegal drugs smuggled in from neighboring countries in ; Chengdu is one of the main transportation routes for these drugs.

9 Chinese law enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in China are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty. China convicts and executes more people for drug offences than anywhere else in the world, according to NGOs. Illicit drugs remain available to Chinese and expatriates alike. Authorities occasionally detain foreigners on drug charges. Police regularly conduct unannounced drug tests on people suspected of drug use and have been known to enter a bar or nightclub and subject all patrons to immediate drug testing. Police may force you to provide a urine, blood, or hair follicle sample on short notice. A positive finding, even if the drug was legal elsewhere or consumed prior to arriving in China, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering China.

Drug-related crimes do not appear to be a significant issue affecting the U.S. private sector.

China major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle region of Southeast Asia. There is growing domestic consumption of synthetic drugs and heroin from Southeast and Southwest Asia. China is a source country for and heroin chemical precursors, despite new regulations on its large .

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings occur mostly over business disputes; one might better categorize them as “unlawful detentions,” often in the office or hotel room of the victim. The kidnappers may allow the victim to use their mobile phone (to arrange the resolution of the dispute); immediately call the police for assistance. Some local businesspersons who feel wronged by a foreign business partner may hire “debt collectors” to harass and intimidate the foreigner in hopes of collecting the debt. Foreign managers or company owners have been physically “held hostage” as leverage during dispute negotiations. The U.S. Department of State has no legal or law enforcement authority, and can neither involve itself in private disputes nor give legal advice.

In some cases, labor disputes have resulted not only in protracted stoppages, but also in temporary detention of expatriate managers by workers demanding continued employment or enhanced severance packages.

There have also been reports of taxi drivers transporting passengers to remote locations and forcing them to pay a fee under threat of injury. Such reports are relatively rare, and are often secondhand, circular accounts.

Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): In 2017, China implemented a law regulating the operations of foreign NGOs in China. This law requires foreign NGOs to obtain sponsorship from a Chinese government body as part of the registration process administered by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and may limit the scope of foreign NGO activities and sources of funding. The law also states that foreign NGOs must not undermine or damage China’s national interests. The MPS has published foreign NGO registration guidelines on its website, although some requirements and procedures remain unclear. Employees of foreign NGOs in China should be aware that the Chinese government’s application, interpretation, and implementation of these guidelines could vary widely by location and case. Any entity

10 that the government might characterize as a foreign NGO, particularly those working in sensitive areas or fields, should consult with a local lawyer regarding the law's requirements and procedures for registration.

Foreigners working for NGOs in China have recently faced additional scrutiny. Ensure proper visa status to conduct activities in China. Authorities have interrogated and threatened with arrest foreign and Chinese NGO representatives for conducting activities while the NGO was not properly registered.

Police Response

The emergency line in China is 110. Those who do not speak Mandarin can ask to speak to an English- speaking officer, but very few English speakers staff this hotline. Visitors to China must report any criminal victimization to the police while in China; Chinese authorities will ignore any attempt to do so while outside of China.

Policing in China is different from U.S. policing; preserving social harmony is a large component of the Chinese policing doctrine. Depending on the crime, police may ask to negotiate for monetary damages with the alleged victim. If everyone agrees with a monetary arrangement, no further legal issue exists. The Chinese police training system has not yet evolved into one sympathetic to victims. Regardless of the crime, the victim must visit the nearest police station to report it. The victim must have the evidence to support his or her claims and could likely have the assailant present in the same room while they narrate the incident to the police. The role of the police at that time is to assist in negotiating a financial solution to the problem. The victim should not expect expressions of sympathy or support.

Police response to foreign victims of crime depends upon the type of infraction, location where it transpired, and the social status of the victim (e.g. private citizen, diplomat, VIP). Urban forces have better training and equipment, especially in first-tier cities, where authorities spend millions of dollars on security-related infrastructure. Local police are somewhat effective at deterring crime. Most responses to alarms and emergency calls are sufficiently prompt if the police know that the victim is a Westerner or a person of importance. In many cases, local police authorities will serve as a mediator between the victim and criminal to agree upon financial compensation, sometimes in lieu of jail time.

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu experienced several property crimes in recent years; the police were not able to solve any of the crimes or catch any of the criminals. Although reports were filed, it is highly unlikely that the criminals will ever be found. As of the date of writing, the local police “solve” rate for incidents of theft involving U.S. staff is zero percent.

Investigative training and forensic equipment are improving but remain substandard compared to Western countries. Authorities never provide reports of investigations to Embassy or Consulate Regional Security Office, despite repeated formal requests.

Police officers have the right to assess fines at the scene of an incident. Westerners may perceive this as soliciting a bribe, but it is not.

Police have the authority to detain and deport foreigners for a wide variety of reasons. Police may detain foreigners who do not have their passport with them.

Police have reported that they are increasingly arresting foreigners for being out of status related to their Chinese visas. The police have conducted arrest sweeps at English language schools, where foreigners were working, but considered out of status with their visas.

11 If police arrest a U.S. citizen, the U.S.-China Consular Convention requires Chinese authorities to notify the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate of the arrest within four days. If a U.S. traveler with dual citizenship entered China using a non-U.S. passport, authorities are not required to notify the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Typically, the police will not allow anyone other than a consular officer to visit the traveler during the initial detention period. Authorities rarely grant bail, and detainees can be subject to detention for many months before being granted a trial. Arguments concerning comparisons with the U.S. judicial system are largely ineffective. The U.S Government and its laws do not have jurisdiction in China.

If your passport is stolen, you must not only apply for a new passport at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but you must also apply for a new visa. To receive a new visa, you must file a police report at the police station nearest to where the theft occurred. You must also file a report at the local Entry/Exit Bureau.

Although police officers in some Chinese cities have begun carrying firearms, most officers on the street remain unarmed. Armed specialized units (SWAT) sometimes augment patrol officers. SWAT officers occasionally deploy during special events, at air and railway stations, and in response to protests or demonstrations. Police in Shanghai are increasingly using body cameras to record their interactions with the public.

Chinese law enforcement relies heavily on the large volume of cameras to police public areas, and makes regular use of their facial recognition technology. In addition, businesses must install camera systems with a 45-day capacity for digital video recording (DVR), which serves as a crime deterrent (despite privacy concerns). This technology also monitors any kind of protest activity, which will normally prompt a robust police response.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

The medical emergency line in China is 120. English-speaking dispatchers are limited.

The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in the U.S. Western-style medical facilities with some international staff are available in Beijing, Shanghai, , and a few other large cities, but not yet in Chengdu. The price is comparable or higher than in the U.S. Hospitals with VIP sections (gao gan bing fang) or Special Needs wards (te xu) may be more likely to have reasonably up-to-date medical technology and skilled physicians who typically speak English. Rural areas have rudimentary facilities and inadequate staffing. Medical personnel in rural areas have often received poor training and have limited access to medical equipment or medications. Rural clinics are often reluctant to accept responsibility for treating foreigners, even in emergency situations.

Municipal and private ambulance services in China remain substandard. Response time is typically very slow, and transport to the nearest hospital can take a considerable amount of time due to traffic congestion. Ambulances do not typically carry sophisticated medical equipment, and ambulance personnel generally have limited Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training and/or English-language skills. As a result, injured or seriously ill U.S. patients may need to take taxis or other vehicles to the nearest major hospital.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

12 Most hospitals will not accept medical insurance from the U.S. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards for payment, but U.S. citizens have frequently encountered difficulty due to cultural and regulatory differences. Travelers typically must post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment. Consider buying foreign medical care and medical evacuation (medevac) insurance prior to arrival. Consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether the policy applies overseas, and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medevac. If your policy provides coverage outside the , carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Poor air quality is often an issue in China. Find air quality ratings for Beijing and other U.S. Mission China posts at the Air Quality Index website. Pollutants such as particle pollution are linked to a number of significant health effects. Those effects are likely to be more severe for sensitive populations, including people with heart or lung disease, children, and older adults. Travelers with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions should speak with their health care provider prior to traveling to Chinese cities with poor air quality. While improving in recent years, Chengdu’s average air pollution levels still exceed U.S. standards by over 400%.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with the prescription. Many common U.S. drugs and medications are not available in China, and counterfeit, low-quality knockoffs are prevalent. If you try to have medications sent to you from outside China, you may have problems getting Chinese Customs to release them and/or you may have to pay high customs duties. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Most roads and towns in Tibet, , parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan are situated at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Take appropriate precautions to prepare for and be alert to altitude sickness. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling in High Altitude.

The following diseases are prevalent: influenza; typhoid; measles; hepatitis A; hepatitis B; and tuberculosis. No China-specific vaccinations are required, but some are recommended. Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain; the blood type of the general Asian populace is Rh-positive. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for China.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

U.S. Consulate Chengdu hosts an active OSAC Country Council, which meets quarterly. Interested private- sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Asia-Pacific team with any questions or to join.

13 U.S. Consulate and Contact Information

4 Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nan , Chengdu, China 610041 Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 (except U.S. and Chinese holidays) Website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/chengdu/ Consulate Operator: +86-28-8558-399 Emergency calls after normal business hours: +86-158-2801-8662 American Citizen Services: [email protected]

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in China

• Embassy Beijing: No. 55 An Jia Lou Lu, Beijing 100600, +86-10-8531-3000. • Consulate Guangzhou: Huaxia Road, Zhujiang New Town,Tianhe , Guangzhou. +86-20- 3814-5000. • Consulate Shanghai: 1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai 200031. +86-21 8011-2200. • Consulate Shenyang: No. 52, 14 Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Province 110003. +86-24) 2322-1198. • Consulate : Room 4701, New World International Trade Tower I, No. 568, Jianshe Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan 430022. +86-27-8555-7791.

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • China Country Information

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