Security Briefing: Threats to Safety and Security

The information below has been excerpted from the following: 1) the US Department of State's "International Travel" website (travel.state.gov/travel/), 2) the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's "Smartraveller" website (www.smartraveller.gov.au), and 3) the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's "Foreign Travel Advice" website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/). Additional information is available from these sources. World Trade Press annually assesses the information presented on this page.

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advice

Terrorism

There is a possibility of terrorist attacks by groups opposed to the Chinese Government. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers.

On 1 March 2014, armed attackers killed 29 people and injured scores of others at Kunming Railway Station.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.

Civil unrest/political tension

You should avoid all demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others.

Xinjiang

 We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. The security situation in Xinjiang is volatile due to heightened ethnic tensions. In July 2009, violent protests resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang. A number of further protests and incidents, including bombings, have occurred in the region since that date. In late July 2011, a series of violent incidents occurred in the city of Kashgar in which a number of people were killed and injured. The government may impose restrictions on movement and communications in Kashgar and nearby areas with little warning. You should avoid any protests or large gatherings.

Tibet

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to the Tibet Autonomous Region. On 14 March 2008, protests by Tibetan monks in Lhasa turned violent with reports of deaths and injuries. Demonstrations and violence could occur with little warning.

You should not attempt to travel to Tibet without permission from the Chinese authorities. Foreigners wishing to travel to Tibet must apply for a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. For further information, see Local travel below.

Avoid photographing, videoing or participating in protests or other acts which could be seen as provocative by authorities in Tibet or elsewhere in China.

United Kingdom: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign Travel Advice

Fire precautions 

Fire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. Check fire precautions including access to fire exits.

Commercial disputes

Commercial disputes in China are rarely handled through the civil law courts. Incidents of British nationals being detained against their will for extorting money or intimidation for other gains have increased. It is rare for violence to be used, but the threat of violence is a recurring theme and can be stressful. You should report any threats of violence to the Chinese police.

Anyone entering into a contract in China should take legal advice, both in the United Kingdom and in China. Contracts entered into in the United Kingdom are not always enforced by Chinese courts. If you become the subject of a business and/or civil dispute, the Chinese authorities may prohibit you from leaving China until the matter is resolved. Contract fraud is treated as a crime in China and the defendant may also be placed in custody until the dispute is resolved. For more detailed advice on business risks and commercial disputes, see our guide on commercial disputes in China and the UK Trade and Investment China page.

Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region

You will need a permit to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Applications for Tibet Entry Permits can only be made through specialised travel agents based in China and travel can only be undertaken through organised tours. The Chinese authorities sometimes suspend issuing Tibet Entry Permits to foreign nationals, and may also restrict travel to Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in neighbouring Provinces by those who have already obtained a permit. These restrictions can happen at any time, but in particular during sensitive periods or major religious festivals - especially around February and March, coinciding with the Tibetan new year festival and the anniversary of certain uprisings in Tibet. Travellers to all Tibet areas should check with tour operators or travel agents and monitor this travel advice and other media for information about travel to Tibet.

Ongoing political and ethnic tensions can lead to unrest and violent protest in Tibet. While foreigners are not normally targeted during unrest, you should be alert to the possibility of being caught up in any unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. Security measures are tight around any large public gathering and unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force. There have been a large number of self-immolations since 2011, including in Tibetan areas outside of the Tibetan Autonomous Region itself. The Chinese authorities tend to react quickly to these incidents and will increase the security presence in the area. Avoid becoming involved in any protests or calls for Tibetan independence. Don’t film or photograph any such activities.

Local authorities will react negatively if you are found carrying letters or packages from Tibetan nationals to be posted in other countries.

Photography in Buddhist monasteries requires permission. You will need to pay a fee, which is normally negotiated in advance.

Local travel - Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Chinese state media report that riots killed 35 people in Turban, Xinjiang in June 2013. The security situation in Xinjiang remains fragile, and conditions locally can deteriorate rapidly at short notice. You should exercise caution when travelling in the region. Whilst outbreaks of ethnic violence remain sporadic and foreigners are not normally targeted during unrest, you should be alert to the possibility of being caught up in any unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. The Chinese authorities tend to react quickly to these incidents and will increase the security presence in the area. Avoid becoming involved in any protests and avoid large crowds. Don’t film or photograph any such activities or anything of a military nature.

Political situation

China is a one-party state. Though China is very open to foreign visitors, you should be aware of political and cultural sensitivities in conversation with Chinese people.

Territorial disputes between China and neighbouring countries during 2012 have caused high regional tension. There have been a number of anti-Japan demonstrations. These protests have generally taken place outside diplomatic missions, but some have targeted other Japanese interests.

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly and you may face arrest, deportation or detention. Foreign journalists have been intimidated, assaulted or detained for trying to report demonstrations. You may also risk becoming a target yourself when general anti-foreign sentiment runs high. Keep yourself informed of developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. During periods of tension, some news reporting, access to text-messaging, the internet and to international telephone lines may be blocked.

United States: Department of State International Travel Information

For most visitors, China remains a very safe country.  Petty street crime is the most common safety concern for U.S. citizens in China.  However, business disputes between U.S. citizens and Chinese business partners can result in a physical confrontation or kidnapping.  If you feel that your personal safety is in danger in the course of a business dispute, you should contact the local police immediately.  The Chinese authorities are responsible for the safety and security of all residents in and travelers to China and it is important to report your concerns to the local police.    

Some parts of the country are restricted or you may need a special permit to travel there.  Please keep in mind that you are a guest in a foreign country where U.S. laws do not apply.  You are subject to Chinese law and legal procedures.

Violent crime is not common in China, but violent demonstrations can erupt without warning, and in past years there have been some fatal bombings and explosions which could pose a random threat to foreign visitors in the area.  The vast majority of these local incidents are related to disputes over land seizures, social issues, employment disputes, environmental problems, or conflicts involving ethnic minorities.  Some incidents have become large-scale and involved criminal activity, including hostage taking and vandalism.

Stay up to date:

• Bookmark our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. 
• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
• Download our free Smart Traveler App available through iTunes and the Google Play Store, for travel information at your fingertips.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or call a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Take some time before traveling to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere else as they are in the United States.  Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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