What's this I hear on the news about Chinese citizens attacking tourists?

Question

The US state dept. said travel to large Chinese cities is dangerous due to threats made by Chinese citizens.

Answer 1

I got this message today from the US Embassy in China:

The United States Government has received unconfirmed information of a possible
terrorist threat against U.S. interests in China, especially in the cities of
Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. This threat also may exist for places where
Americans are known to congregate or visit, including clubs, restaurants, places
of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events.
American citizens in China are advised to be aware of their surroundings and
remain alert to possible threats. Americans living or traveling in China are
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy or their nearest U.S. Consulate
through the State Department's travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov/. By registering, American citizens make it
easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S.
citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly to register in case
they experience difficulties registering online.
U.S. citizens planning to travel to China should consult the Department of
State's country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular
Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other
information, available at http://travel.state.gov/. Up-to-date information on
security conditions can also be obtained by calling * in the U.S.
and for callers outside the U.S. and Canada a regular toll line at
*.

Answer 2

Don't believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see.
Talk is cheap.

And the list goes on! There is a reason these became old sayings.

I've personally found that the State Dept. has a habit of overstating a bit. On the other hand I do use their info as a guideline. If they say there is a problem, I will keep an eye out, but don't let it influence where I go.

Now for the China issue. Here is the official website, and China IS NOT on the warning list:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

For more detail check the Consular Sheet:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html

I think you will find that this type of danger can be found most anywhere.. Detroit, New York, Paris, London and even in China. Bad people come in all flavors.

Answer 3

I'm a white American, not a tourist, but I was attacked in China this year. The people there can be as violent as anywhere else. My case, just started as an argument with my taxi driver. Didn't want him to smoke, he continued, then I got out - he yelled at me and asked me what country I'm from then he lunged at me (BTW, I speak Chinese). When this happened, a bunch of onlookers came to see what was happening and they didn't do anything. Not a good feeling. I'd like to add that it's strange for me to have been attacked and see people here write that it doesn't happen. Just cause it never happened to them is a ridiculous answer... sort of like - "people don't get killed in the USA cause it never happened to me...."

Answer 4

Never heard of this crap. I'm an Ameican living in China and have never been attacked by anyone or even hassled by the police.....it's propaganda B.S. by US media to scare people, remember China is still a Communist country which American government dislikes.

Those others are just spouting generic terrorist threat warnings which are distrubuted to all US embassies and consulates.

Answer 5

Huh, why is such news not known in other parts of the world? I am in SE Asis and things are all normal here with China. Why the US Defense Sec just visited China a few days ago. Did he had problems then?

Answer 6

I haven't seen any travel advisories from the State Department on travel to China. I'll look again.

Answer 7

I just went to China and lookie here, I'm OK. Provide a link.

Answer 8

sounds a little suspect to me..mainland chinese are generally not very violent...there's tons of petty crime but from what I've seen (I've been there many,many times) there is very little violence.

Answer 9

Be ware of pickpokets, in Shenzhen.

Answer 10

what is surprising?they are attcked here in florida, india, italy.chinese are no exception. stya hm.