China warns tourists of US travel risks

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a warning on Tuesday, reminding Chinese tourists to assess risks before traveling to the United States, as shooting rampages, robberies and theft have become frequent in the country recently.

At a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, the ministry suggested Chinese tourists make risk assessments before setting out and gather destination-related information regarding areas such as security, laws and regulations in a timely manner.

The ministry also suggested that Chinese tourists should raise awareness about self-protection and ensure their own safety.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassy in the United States reminded citizens traveling to the US and Chinese companies in the US to heighten their vigilance, the ministry's department of consular affairs said on its official WeChat account on the same day.

The alert is available through Dec 31.

US law enforcement agencies have harassed Chinese citizens traveling to or leaving the country through entry-and-exit interrogations and "drop-in" interviews, the department said, advising people to call the embassy or local consulate in case of emergency.