U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
May 13, 1999
The security situation for Americans in China has improved following a reduction in the scale and severity of the massive demonstrations against American interests throughout the People's Republic of China resulting from Chinese reaction to the accidental May 7 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
While the U.S. Government has no information regarding specific threats against American interests in China at this time, anger towards the U.S. and NATO remains strong and the potential exists for further violent acts directed against American citizens and interests. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens throughout China to review their security practices, remain alert to the changing situation, and avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress. Any incidents directed at American citizens should be reported immediately to the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General.
Due to the more extensive damage inflicted on the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the Consulates General in Chengdu and Shenyang as a result of violent demonstrations on May 8-11, these facilities will remain closed to the public for routine business until at least Monday, May 17.
The U.S. Consulates General in Guangzhou and Shanghai did not sustain significant damage and will reopen to the public on Friday, May 14, for most American citizens services. Immigrant visa processing in Guangzhou will resume on Monday, May 17.
In view of the damage at U.S. facilities in China and/or the requirement to review and improve security procedures for all public areas, the Embassy and all of the Consulates General in China are unable to provide nonimmigrant visa services until further notice. Nonimmigrant visa facilities will reopen as repairs are made and security arrangements improve. Persons desiring visa services, including immigrant visa services, should check the Embassy webpage at www.usembassy-china.org.cn.
This Public Announcement does not apply to the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, S.A.R., which remains open for business as usual.
This Public Announcement replaces the May 9 Travel Warning for the People's Republic of China to reflect the reduction in demonstrations against American interests, and the lifting of the recommendation that American citizens defer travel to China. This Public Announcement expires May 31.
The Department of State travel information is available at Internet address http://travel.state.gov or the Embassy webpage www.usembassy-china.org.cn. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department at (202)647-5225 from a touch-tone phone, or receive information by automated fax by dialing (202)647-0300.
Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.