INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
State Department on Thursday renewed its warning for U.S
citizens traveling in China to exercise increased caution due to "arbitrary enforcement of local laws" amid heightened diplomatic tensions
over arrest in Canada of a Chinese technology company executive.The updated travel advisory maintains warning at "Level 2" but also warns
about extra security checks and increased police presence in Xinjiang Uighur and Tibet Autonomous Regions.The advisory follows detentions by
Chinese authorities in December of Canadians Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat and an adviser with International Crisis Group (ICG)
think-tank, and businessman Michael Spavor
China says both men were suspected of endangering state security.Tensions with China increased after Canadian police arrested Huawei
Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on Dec
1 in Vancouver at request of United States.U.S
prosecutors have accused her of misleading banks about transactions linked to Iran, putting banks at risk of violating U.S
sanctions.Earlier on Thursday, China's top prosecutor said two Canadians had "without a doubt" violated law.In its previous travel advisory
22 last year, State Department urged Americans to "exercise increased caution" in country because of "arbitrary enforcement of local laws
and special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals."The latest advisory repeats that warning but adds: "Extra security measures, such
as security checks and increased levels of police presence, are common in Xinjiang Uighur and Tibet Autonomous Regions
Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice."The advisory also warns about China's use of "exit bans" that would
citizens from leaving country, sometimes keeping them in China for years.(Except for headline, this story has not been edited by
TheIndianSubcontinent staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
