Monday, the State Department issued a new travel advisory, warning Americans against traveling to China.
The advisory cited concerns of arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens by the Chinese government. According to the advisory, the Chinese government has broadly redefined what is considered as classified information in order to detain and prosecute foreign nationals.
The State Department also accused Beijing of using exit bans to resolve civil disputes in favor of Chinese citizens, pressuring Chinese family members to return from abroad, and “gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.”
The issue came after a 78-year-old U.S. citizen was sentenced to life in prison on espionage charges in May.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is planning a trip to China this week. It’s part of an ongoing effort to normalize the relationship between Beijing and Washington.