OSAC Country Security Report

Last Updated: August 13, 2021 Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel China and due to Covid-19, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals. Do not travel to due to Covid-19. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks China 100 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a medium state of peace. Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed , Guangzhou, , Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong as being LOW-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for China.

The crime emergency line in is 110; it is 999 in Hong Kong and Macau. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Chinese cities are generally safe when compared to other global cities. The ubiquity of police and security personnel serves to deter most serious crime, while petty crime occurs with some regularity. The income disparity in Chinese society has been a source of social friction and is a root cause of much of the economic crime experienced in large Chinese cities. This includes pickpocketing, credit card fraud, and various financial scams, many of which target foreign (including U.S.) travelers due to perceptions of wealth.

The most common criminal incidents are minor petty crimes, which tend to occur in areas tourists frequent, at shopping centers, and on crowded public transportation during peak hours. In such locations, travelers may have little or no personal space, making them more vulnerable to pickpocketing and petty theft. Thieves may target cell phones, cameras, jewelry, cash, and credit cards, among other personal belongings.

Criminals use various scams to defraud foreign victims. One scam involves locals approaching tourists and asking to practice English, visit an art house, or experience a traditional tea ceremony. Once the ceremony has been “completed,” unsuspecting victims are often charged exorbitant sums. The victims are forced to make payment under physical intimidation or threats that the police will arrest them if they do not comply. The credit cards may be charged hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, and the victim is forced to sign the receipt. In most cases, the victims are released unharmed – though distraught or embarrassed – and threatened not to notify the authorities. Even in instances where the victim has reported the crime to the police immediately, the evidence of prosecutions is scarce.

Another scam involves the victim receiving a telephone call where the caller poses as a police officer and requests a funds transfer to resolve an identity theft or money laundering investigation. If the victim

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agrees to the transfer, the situation is “resolved.” Scam artists have also sent text messages and emails referring to fraudulent bills and/or traffic tickets to con people into transferring money.

In some popular tourist areas, women will lure men to a private room in a bar or nearby building, sometimes using the promise of a cheap massage. These women are usually prostitutes and will aggressively transition from a legitimate massage to more sexual acts. Afterward, strongmen will extort the victim for additional funding (typically a “room fee”) and force him to use his credit or debit cards to access additional cash.

Counterfeit currency is no longer a significant concern in China due to widespread use of counterfeit currency detectors and electronic payments such as WeChat and Alipay. For cash withdrawals, only use ATMs at trusted financial institutions. Some counterfeit currency remains in circulation; visitors should be familiar with the Chinese currency’s anti-counterfeiting features.

Taxi drivers use a common scam to pass counterfeit currency. If a passenger pays with a 100 RMB note, the driver will switch the note with a counterfeit bill, “return” 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.

Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate.

China has increasingly moved to e-payments for most goods and services, especially in first-tier cities. The use of cash to make purchases is rare and it can be difficult to receive change when making transactions with cash. International credit cards are rarely accepted. China encourages travelers to use web-based payment apps such as Alipay, which can be linked to an international credit card, when visiting China.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for China. OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Kidnappings occur mostly over business disputes and might better be categorized as “unlawful detentions,” often in the office or hotel room of the victim. Captors generally allow victims to use their mobile phones to arrange the resolution of the dispute; victims should immediately call the police for assistance. Some local businesspeople who feel that they have been wronged by a foreign business partner may hire “debt collectors” to harass and intimidate the foreigner in hopes of collecting the debt. The U.S. Department of State has no law enforcement authority in China and can neither involved itself in private disputes nor give legal advice.

Drug Crime

Chinese law enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in China are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty. Police regularly conduct unannounced drug tests on people it suspects of drug use, including foreign citizens. Police may require you to provide a urine, blood, or hair follicle sample on short notice, and may force you to participate in the collection. A positive finding, even if the drug was consumed prior to arriving in China, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or

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a ban from re-entering China. Ensure you have cleared your system of any drug illegal in China prior to your arriving.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong as LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for China. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for China.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks China 53 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a low impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

The Embassy is unaware of any significant transnational terrorist presence in China. Details about alleged terrorism-related threats inside China, however, are difficult to verify due to a lack of transparency and information from China. Chinese domestic counterterrorism efforts remain primarily focused on what the government claims is the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The United States has seen no solid evidence for more than a decade that ETIM is still in existence, though a similar group, the (TIP), is still active in Syria and Afghanistan.

Authorities often mischaracterize ethnic-Uyghur discontent and political dissent as “terrorist activity,” conflating terrorism with separatism and ethnic and religious identities. To that end, China often refers to the so-called “Three Evils” of religious extremism, separatism, and terrorism in , an autonomous territory in . The U.S. government and various human rights organizations maintain that authorities use counterterrorism as a pretext to suppress , a predominantly Muslim ethnic group that comprises a large percentage of the population of Xinjiang, as well as ethnic Kazakhs and other Muslims.

China shares international concerns regarding other terrorist groups such as al-Qa’ida and ISIS. Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong as LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Elections/Political Stability

The government remains focused on maintaining social stability and preventing civil unrest caused by economic and social complaints. In 2019, the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement carried out some of the largest and most violent protests in the country has faced in recent years. During these protests, many who participated faced violence and arrest from the police and government. In order to quell the movement, the Chinese government instated the Hong Kong Law in 2020, using it to target protesters, pro-democracy activists, lawyers, lawmakers, journalists, academics, teachers, and those who criticize the Chinese government. Many have fled Hong Kong since the law came into effect. Authorities can also arrest foreigners seen as a threat to national security under this law. The law is extraterritorial, meaning the government can and has issued warrants for the arrest of Chinese and

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foreign citizens accused of criticizing the Chinese government or engaging in activism in support of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement while outside of China. Hong Kong’s government postponed elections scheduled for 2020 due to the pandemic and the government’s focus on ending the pro- democracy movement.

Large, violent incidents have taken place in ethnic-minority areas (e.g., and Xinjiang), where grievances over human rights abuses and discriminatory policies have resulted in spontaneous outbursts of violence targeting the local and and ethnic-Han interests. Despite the government’s repressive efforts, spontaneous and relatively peaceful protests over property seizure and labor rights disputes could still occur.

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

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Protests outside of official U.S. facilities occur occasionally, but the majority tend to be small and peaceful.

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

Local police forces in China are somewhat effective at deterring crime. Urban forces in Beijing and other first-tier cities, where authorities have spent millions of dollars on security-related infrastructure, are generally better trained and equipped than in other locales. Investigative training and forensic equipment are improving, but remain substandard when compared to developed countries. 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, which serves as a crime deterrent (despite numerous privacy concerns). Authorities also use this technology to monitor any kind of protest activity, which it will normally meet with a robust police response.

Police Response

Police response for foreign victims of crime will depend upon the type of infraction, location where it occurred, and the social status of the victim (e.g., private citizen, diplomat, VIP). Most responses to alarms/emergency calls are sufficiently prompt if the police are informed that the victim is a Westerner or person of importance. In many cases, local police authorities will serve as a mediator between the victim and criminal, often to agree upon financial compensation in lieu of jail time.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

All persons in China are subject to Chinese laws. Violating Chinese laws, even unknowingly, may result in expulsion, arrest, or imprisonment. Police have the authority to detain and deport foreigners for a wide variety of reasons. Authorities may detain for questioning travelers who do not have their passport with them. If authorities arrest a U.S. citizen, the U.S.-China Consular Convention requires Chinese authorities to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulates of the arrest within four days. If a traveler holds the citizenship of another country and entered China using a passport of that country, authorities are not required to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. 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; individuals can be subject to detention for many months before trial.

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

The emergency line in mainland China is 110. Very few English speakers staff this hotline. U.S. victims should contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit at the Embassy or Consulate for assistance. ACS officers can provide information about local medical facilities, provide contact information for local attorneys, notify family members, and explain how to transfer funds to China.

If a passport is stolen, the victim must not only apply for a new passport at the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate but 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 may also be directed to file a report at the local Entry/Exit Bureau as well. If someone steals your passport, file the theft with the police right away.

The emergency line in Hong Kong is 999. There are 47 police stations located throughout the various districts and communities of Hong Kong. The has distinct units responsible for all crime/security issues and is highly trained and generally professional. General police support and response to foreign victims of crime is excellent. The average response time is under five minutes for emergencies and under ten minutes for non-emergencies. Police operators typically speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Transportation Security

Road Safety

Rules, regulations, and conditions vary greatly throughout China. As such, traffic safety is poor, and driving can be dangerous.

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

The physical road conditions in larger cities are good; in contrast, road conditions in rural areas are usually poor. Beijing adds some 1,200 newly registered vehicles to the roads every day, causing already congested roads to come to a standstill during rush hour. Additionally, a great number of pedestrians and bikers weave through traffic, creating a hazardous mix of conditions.

Traffic patterns and driving habits make crossing the street in Beijing dangerous. Pedestrians do not have the right of way; use extreme caution when walking in traffic, even in marked crosswalks. Yielding to oncoming traffic or pedestrians is uncommon, as is the use of turn signals. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is common. Policing is done remotely by video camera (mainly with speed traps).

Drivers routinely ignore traffic laws. The greatest road hazard remains the inexperienced Chinese driver. Most drivers are inexperienced since private ownership of vehicles was not allowed until the last decade. Nearly one-half of the accidents in Beijing are caused by drivers who have less than four years of driving experience. Many are either overly cautious or overly aggressive. According to one local media report, traffic-related deaths were the leading cause of deaths for individuals under the age of 45.

Busy roads often lack shoulders, forcing bicycles and scooters into driving lanes. Where there are shoulders, cars generally use them as another travel lane, especially on crowded highways. It is common to see drivers back up on the highway to get to an exit they missed, stop on the side of the highway to drop off passengers (before slowing merging back into high-speed traffic), or veer horizontally across several lanes of traffic to get to an off-ramp.

The Embassy responds to dozens of traffic accidents involving U.S. diplomats annually; most are minor and are resolved on the scene. In many cases, bicyclists strike a static or moving vehicle. In traffic

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accidents, the foreigner is often ruled at fault, regardless of the actual cause of the accident. Drivers involved in accidents should not argue with the other party involved in a traffic accident, regardless of fault.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

For more information, 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 Safety

All forms of public transportation in China are crowded, but can become dangerously so during peak times such as the morning and evening commutes, especially in larger cities.

Although inter-city train trips can be quite long due to the considerable distances between most major cities, the high-speed train system is safe and efficient. Trains and train stations are crowded during holiday travel periods.

Use official taxis that employ meters. If a driver refuses to use a meter, exit the vehicle and use another taxi. In China’s major cities, taxis are affordable, but can be difficult to hail, as supply falls far short of demand, especially during peak times. Taxis sometimes refuse to stop for foreigners, particularly those of African descent. Stories abound of foreigners stranded for long periods because they could not get a taxi.

Most drivers do not understand English and do not recognize the English names of popular hotels, shopping centers, or tourist sites (which often have no relationship to the Chinese names). Taxis often lack working seatbelts for passenger use. Some hotels can provide guests with taxi cards written in English and Mandarin that include the hotel name, address, and common points of interest.

Didi Chuxing is a frequent alternative to taxis and is increasingly common throughout China’s larger cities. Known colloquially as “Didi,” China’s largest ride-hailing company has become a popular and convenient mode of transportation, specifically in Beijing, Shanghai, and other large urban centers. Similar to Uber or Lyft, Didi allows passengers to hail cars, navigate to a destination, and pay for service via their personal mobile device. Although cheap and convenient, the authorities are still developing rules to regulate this fast-growing industry. While generally safe, authorities temporarily suspended Didi operations in 2018 following the murder of a female passenger by her Didi driver. Riders should exercise the same caution when using ride-hailing companies such as Didi as they would with similar brands elsewhere.

In a limited number of cases, foreigners have reported sexual assaults, luggage theft, or exorbitant overcharges while using unlicensed taxis. Luggage theft typically involves a taxi transporting individuals to or from an airport and the driver intentionally leaving the scene before the bags are unloaded.

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Aviation Concerns

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.

Air travel remains quite expensive as the government regulates prices and competition. Flight delays are a common occurrence, including those that result from sudden military closures, and such delays are often not announced or explained to passengers. This can make travel planning particularly difficult and

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often too unpredictable for weekend trips. Beijing’s international airports experienced frequent delays throughout 2020, making transportation by rail a preferred and more dependable option for domestic locations.

Maritime Security

There have been dangerous encounters between vessels In the Sea. The Chinese government has taken provocative actions to advance unlawful maritime claims inconsistent with international law. Vessels in the have faced intimidation, bullying, and force from China as the Chinese government has attempted to expand its territory into international waters and the waters of neighboring countries, unlawfully accessing their maritime resources. These actions have created serious security and commerce issues. Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is an authoritarian state in which the (CCP) is the paramount authority. CCP members hold almost all top government and security apparatus positions. Government officials and the security services often commit human rights abuses with impunity against the local population. Genocide and crimes against humanity occurred during the year against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang.

Additionally, Hong Kong has undergone significant change within the last year. Increasing arrests of protest and opposition figures, and the subsequent actions by the central government have created a chilling effect and changed the legal culture of the Special Administrative Region. For organizations in the technology, media, legal, and academia spheres, these changes pose direct risks. For other industries, security risks are similar to those in China – typical life and work habits should not cause any security risks as long as employees are aware that free speech and assembly are no longer protected freedoms in Hong Kong.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

There are no specific safety concerns for women traveling to China. Rape of women is illegal and carries a sentence that ranges from three years in prison to death. Of the locally reported cases, most allegations of rape were closed through private settlement rather than prosecution. Chinese law prohibits sexual harassment against women. In 2020, the civil code expanded to clarify what conduct can be considered sexual harassment. The law expands the behaviors included in the definition of harassment, eliminates the statute of limitations of minors seeking to sue on sexual harassment grounds, and requires employers to make affirmative efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.

Consider composite scores given to China by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in China, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

There are no specific safety concerns for foreign LGBTI+ individuals traveling to China. No Chinese laws criminalize private consensual same-sex conduct between adults. However, local LGBTI+ individuals have reported incidents of violence, including domestic violence. These individuals have encountered difficulties in seeking legal redress, since regulations on domestic violence do not include recognition of same-sex relations.

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Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

There are no specific safety concerns for travelers with disabilities visiting China. According to Chinese law, persons with disabilities “are entitled to enjoyment of equal rights as other citizens in political, economic, cultural, and social fields, in family life, and in other aspects.” Discrimination against, insult of, and infringement upon persons with disabilities is prohibited. The law prohibits discrimination against minors with disabilities and codifies a variety of judicial protections for juveniles.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

There are no specific safety concerns for foreign racial, religious, or ethnic minority travelers visiting China. However, in China, discrimination against local minorities remains widespread. The government’s “Sinicization” campaign has resulted in ethnically based restrictions on movement, including curtailing the ability to travel freely or obtain travel documents; greater surveillance and presence of armed police in ethnic minority communities; and legislative restrictions on cultural and religious practices.

People who appear foreign, including those of African descent, have experienced discrimination based on their skin color.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

The Chinese government consistently targets westerners with arbitrary detentions and exit bans as a form of hostage diplomacy during times of geopolitical tension. Additionally, the Chinese government has targeted U.S. businesses and individuals associated with U.S. businesses frequently with regulatory harassment, lack of privacy, and travel difficulties. This has included: arbitrary interference with privacy; pervasive and intrusive technical surveillance and monitoring; serious restrictions on free expression, including physical attacks on and criminal prosecution of journalists, lawyers, writers, bloggers, dissidents, petitioners, and others as well as their family members, and censorship and site blocking; interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, including overly restrictive laws targeting nongovernmental organizations; severe restrictions and suppression of religious freedom; substantial restrictions on freedom of movement. In 2019, Chinese authorities detained three Canadian citizens as a retaliatory measure towards Canada. In 2021, authorities sentenced one of those Canadian citizens to death, and another to an 11-year prison sentence. China has targeted businesses that have made statements on human rights issues on China with restrictions and extensive protests. In the past few years, detentions and regulatory harassment alongside U.S.-China tensions.

Occasionally, U.S. Embassy employees report being harassed or assaulted by Chinese nationals due to their occupation. In 2018, an apparently emotionally disturbed person injured himself by setting off an improvised explosive device along the U.S. Embassy compound’s perimeter. The attacker survived, and no other injuries were reported.Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

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The government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including by carrying out arbitrary and wrongful detentions and through the use of exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries without due process of law. The government uses arbitrary detention and exit bans: to compel individuals to participate in government investigations, to pressure family members to return to China from abroad, to influence authorities to resolve civil disputes in favor of Chinese citizens, and to gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

In most cases, U.S. citizens only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the country. There is no reliable mechanism or legal process to find out how long the ban might continue or to contest it in a of law.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in China, including in Hong Kong may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. Authorities may subject individuals including U.S. citizens to prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law.

Authorities have arbitrarily detained and interrogated foreigners in China, including but not limited to business persons, former foreign government personnel, and journalists from Western countries, for alleged violations of national security laws. Authorities have also threatened, interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in China.

China does not recognize dual nationality. U.S.-China citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment, and authorities may prevent the U.S. Embassy from providing consular services.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks China 78 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

The CCP and PRC government continue to maintain ultimate authority over all published, online, and broadcast material. Officially, only state-run media outlets have government approval to cover CCP leaders or other topics deemed “sensitive.” While it does not dictate all content to be published or broadcast, the CCP and the government have unchecked authority to mandate if, when, and how particular issues are reported or to order they not be reported at all.

Journalists operate in an environment tightly controlled by the government. Only journalists with official government accreditation can publish news in print or online. The CCP constantly monitors all forms of journalist output, including printed news, television reporting, and online news, including livestreaming. Journalists and editors self-censor to stay within the lines dictated by the CCP, and they face increasingly serious penalties for crossing those lines, which are often opaque. Authorities monitor and control the use of non-Mandarin languages in all media within the country.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) directly manages internet content, including online news media, and promotes CCP propaganda. It enjoys broad authority in regulating online media practices and plays a large role in regulating and shaping information dissemination online. Security personnel may detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the government.

Chinese citizens are able discuss some political topics privately and in small groups without official punishment. Authorities, however, routinely take harsh action against those who question the legitimacy of the CCP or criticize President Xi’s leadership. Some independent think tanks, study groups, and seminars report pressure to cancel sessions on sensitive topics. Many others confirm authorities regularly warn them against meeting with foreign reporters or diplomats, and to avoid participating in diplomatic receptions or public programs organized by foreign entities.

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Those who make politically sensitive comments in public speeches, academic discussions, or remarks to media, or post sensitive comments online, remain subject to punitive measures, as do members of their family. In addition, an increase in electronic surveillance in public spaces, coupled with the movement of many routine interactions to the digital space, signify that the government is monitoring an increasing portion of daily life. Conversations in groups or peer-to-peer on social media platforms and via messaging applications are subject to censorship, monitoring, and action from the authorities. An increasing threat of peer-to-peer observation and possible referral to authorities further erode freedom of speech.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks China 117 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates China’s internet freedom as Not Free, and its Freedom in the World report rates China’s freedom of speech as Not Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad. Health Concerns

The COVID-19 pandemic began in China in late 2019. China responded with restrictive lockdowns and travel restrictions in early 2020. Since then, the country had mostly returned to normal. However, the 2021 resurgence of the Delta variant has led to a return of lockdown restrictions. The government has taken a zero-tolerance policy to COVID-19, meaning that one case of the disease can lead to a complete lockdown. In August 2021, authorities closed and quarantined an entire port due to one positive case. China has some of the world’s most restrictive entry requirements. If travelers are able to acquire a visa to enter China, they then must quarantine for two to three weeks after they land in a government facility and, in some cases, again when they travel onwards domestically.

Emergency Health Services

In mainland China, dial 110 for emergencies. The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in the U.S. Western-style medical facilities with international staff are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and a few other large cities. The price is comparable or higher than in the U.S., and U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Hospitals with VIP sections (gao gan bing fang) may be more likely to have reasonably up-to-date medical technology and skilled physicians who typically speak English.

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 medical 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.

Rural areas have rudimentary facilities and inadequate staffing. Rural clinics are often reluctant to accept responsibility for treating foreigners, even in emergency situations.

In Hong Kong, dial 999 for emergencies or +852 2735-3355 for the Fire Services Department. Hong Kong offers good medical facilities, with many Western-trained physicians. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good. Some emergency personnel training meets U.S. paramedic standards, though most training is at the first-responder level to perform basic stabilization and transport to the nearest hospital. Obtain temporary medical insurance before departing the United States, as many hospitals will not admit foreign patients without up-front payment.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

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The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for China, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

No China-specific vaccinations are required, but some are recommended. Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to travel.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Currently there no restrictions on traveling to China with prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

While water sources are considered to be at a high level of safety, due to piping infrastructure deficiencies as well as water pollution throughout China, strongly considering only bottled or otherwise purified water.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

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. 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.

Natural disasters are common in China. A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan Province in 2008, killing more than 69,000 people, and earthquakes kill dozens annually. Severe weather, such as large snowstorms, has brought parts of the country to a virtual standstill. Smaller-scale storms can often lead to multiple traffic accidents. Snow removal is typically slow and accomplished by employing thousands of laborers armed with shovels and brooms, with defrosting agents also used in larger urban areas. China’s southern coast is subject to heavy rainfall and monsoons, causing flooding and mudslides. Cybersecurity Concerns

There is no expectation of privacy in China. The Chinese government has the capability to monitor all devices connected to the internet. China is known for the use of sophisticated cyber capabilities, including spear phishing, targeting of mobile devices, social engineering, and network manipulation. Viruses, spyware, other forms of malware are common.

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Social media accounts are widely monitored in China. Chinese law allows local authorities to use information they deem controversial against both the poster of the material and the host of the social media forum. Individuals have also been held responsible for the content that others place within social media spaces they control.

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. This includes international news organizations like CNN, BBC, and France 24.

The government controls the internet within China and restricts access to some common internet sites based outside of China. OSAC constituents frequently report incidents involving restricted bandwidth or high latency, which makes email and internet browsing frustratingly slow.

Information security is an organization-wide challenge that merges both physical and cyber security. Organizations must develop an holistic approach to defend against a perceived increase in cybersecurity threats, including the following basic countermeasures:

• Use “burner” devices that have limited information on them and can be erased or discarded 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, including from apparently benign sources; and

• Enable two-factor authentication for email and apps, including social media.

While Hong Kong is not yet subject to the same cybersecurity laws as mainland China, travelers to Hong Kong should act as if they have no expectation of privacy when it comes to electronic communications.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. Counterintelligence Issues

Visitors should have no expectation of privacy in public or private locations. Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place them under surveillance. Authorities may monitor hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, taxis, telephones, Internet usage, and smartphone applications remotely. Overt placement of microphones and video cameras in taxis is common. Elevators and public areas of housing compounds are under continuous surveillance. Authorities may search personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, without the occupant’s knowledge or consent.

The areas around U.S. and other foreign diplomatic facilities and residences are under overt physical and video surveillance. Authorities post dozens of security personnel outside of facilities and around residences, while video cameras are visible throughout the diplomatic offices and residential neighborhoods of Beijing. In 2019, U.S. Embassy employees reported an increase in unauthorized entries into their residences.

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) in China. Wireless access in major metropolitan areas is becoming more common. U.S. Embassy employees have reported seeing unknown computers and devices accessing their home networks.

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The government blocks many popular services and websites, such as Google, , and Facebook. WeChat and other applications are nearly ubiquitous; however, these Chinese domestic alternatives have built-in features that allow the Chinese government to monitor and censor messages, access the device’s address book and photos, track the user’s location, and activate the microphone or camera. Security personnel have been known to detain and deport U.S. citizens sending private electronic messages critical of the Chinese government. Other Security Concerns

Landmines

This country has no known issues with landmines.

Import/Export Restrictions

In addition to an arms embargo in effect since 1989, the United States maintains export restrictions on dual use goods, software, and technology destined to China. Certain commodities, exports to specified end users included on the Entity List, or items intended for use by military or military intelligence organizations or in other prohibited end uses may be subject to a U.S. export license requirement. Refer requests for additional information on these license requirements to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.

The Treasury Department also maintains sanctions programs that may limit investment, trade, provision, or receipt of services to/from Specially Designated Nationals or persons or entities designated under various Sanctions Programs or prohibitions. Refer requests for additional information on these programs to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The Government of China recently passed a new Export Control Law, effective December 1, 2020, and implementing guidelines that may apply to businesses or persons wishing to export dual use or munitions items from China.

A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Photography of government buildings, military installations, and military and police forces are not allowed. Local police often stop tourists in Beijing who take photos of these locations and ask them to delete the photos.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

Make copies of your passport photo page and visa, as well as credit card numbers (and the respective contact information). Store these copies at your hotel or residence in the event you lose the actual items.

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 not uncommon. Trucks are often overloaded,

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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. OSAC Country Chapters

The Diplomatic Security representatives assigned to Regional Security Offices in mainland China are planning to merge all of the city chapters into one nationwide chapter based in Shanghai. Details will be announced summer 2021.

The Hong Kong/Macau OSAC Country Chapter meets several times a year. Individuals interested in participating in the Country Council or connect with the Regional Security Office should contact OSAC’s Asia Team. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600. Hours: Monday-Friday 0800- 1700. Tel: +86-10-8531-3000 (24/7). Emergency calls after normal business hours: +86-010-8531 4000. American Citizen Services: [email protected].

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in China:

• Consulate Guangzhou: 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town,Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China. Tel: +86-020-3814-5000. • Consulate Shanghai: 1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai, China, 200031. Tel: +86-021-8011- 2200. • Consulate Shenyang: No. 52, 14 Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China 110003. Tel: +86-024-2322-1198. • Consulate Wuhan: Room 4701, New World International Trade Tower I, No. 568, Jianshe Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan 430022. Tel: +86-027-8555-7791. • Consulate Hong Kong: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong. Tel: +852-2523-9011. Trustworthy News Sources

All media within China is subject to the same government regulations, including mandatory censorship and information promotion. As a result, no local media sources are independent or trustworthy. Other Helpful Info

• State Department Country Information • OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Travelers Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations

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