The United States announced restrictions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials in May, which included constraints on visa travel. In response, China has announced plans to take countermeasures to tackle this setback. This decision follows the recent guilty verdicts in the National Security Law trial involving pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
According to the State Department, fourteen activists were found guilty, while two were acquitted. Critics argue that these verdicts further harm Hong Kong’s legal system and its status as a global financial center. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed deep concern over these developments in a statement on Friday.
It is important to consider both inbound and outbound travel in this scenario. In September 2023, the US saw 5.8 million international visitor arrivals, a 19.3% increase compared to the previous year, though still below pre-COVID levels. Canada and Mexico were the top source markets for inbound travel to the US, with 1.5 million and 1.3 million visitors respectively in September 2023. Other significant contributors included the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.
Chinese diplomat Mao Ning stated that China “strongly opposes exclusive blocks in Asia-Pacific,” emphasizing the country’s stance against forming selective alliances or groups within the region. Tourists and tourism businesses should stay informed and adaptable to navigate the evolving landscape of international travel between the US and China.
