WASHINGTON — The Chinese government warned its citizens about harassment by American law enforcement as the two countries engage in a global trade war.

A travel advisory issued on Tuesday by the foreign ministry and the Chinese Embassy in the United States cites increased scrutiny of Chinese citizens traveling to the United States. The South China Morning Post reported that Chinese tourists were instructed by the foreign ministry to stay aware of safety risks and act “actively and appropriately” to the ways in which American law enforcement would "harass" Chinese travelers.

“Recently, U.S. law enforcement agencies have on multiple occasions used methods such as entry and exit checks, and on-site interviews to harass Chinese citizens in the U.S.," read the advisory, broadcast through CCTV.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency defended its treatment of people and its dedication to nondiscrimination.

"CBP is committed to the fair, impartial and respectful treatment of all members of the public, and has memorialized its commitment to nondiscrimination in existing policies, including the February 2014 CBP Policy on Nondiscrimination in Law Enforcement Activities and all other Administered Programs," said CBP spokesman Steve Bansbach

Additionally, on Tuesday, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism published a separate warning cautioning Chinese tourists about traveling to America.

Referring to the danger of "shootings, robberies, and thefts," the warning, valid until the end of the year, tells potential tourists to "fully assess the risks of traveling to the United States."

About 2.9 million Chinese visitors entered the United States in 2018, according to the National Trade and Tourism Office, a 5.7% decline from 2017.

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As reported by the South China Morning Post, the Chinese Ministry of Education issued a statement on Monday warning Chinese students to assess the risks of studying abroad before traveling to America.

“For a period of time now, some Chinese students in the U.S. have faced situations where their visas were restricted, the visa review period was extended, the period of validity was shortened, or [their applications] were rejected,” said the ministry in a statement relayed by CCTV.

The announcement comes amid an escalating trade war between the two countries. After trade talks broke down at the beginning of May, the United States has imposed tariffs on Chinese products and China has responded by issuing its own tariffs. At the end of May, the Trump administration announced the release of $16 billion in aid for American farmers affected by the trade war. Trump, for his part, has called the disputes "a little squabble."

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