China rejects claims of travel risks made by US in advisory to citizens

China hit back on Friday at a travel advisory issued by the United States, saying it fails to withstand close scrutiny.

"China always welcomes foreign citizens, including US citizens, to visit China and protects their safety and legitimate rights and interests according to law, which include freedom of entry and exit," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular news conference in Beijing.

The US State Department renewed a China travel advisory on Thursday, advising US citizens to exercise increased caution in China "due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual US-Chinese nationals".