US lawmakers and human rights advocates are urging the Biden administration to elevate its travel advisory for China to the highest level, warning that the risk of arbitrary detention has become a growing concern. During a recent congressional hearing, led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), families of Americans currently detained in China testified about their experiences, highlighting the lack of due process and the difficult conditions faced by detainees.

Peter Humphrey, a former British journalist imprisoned in China, warned, "Nobody is safe in China—nobody," calling attention to the potential dangers for foreign nationals operating in the country, particularly those in politically sensitive roles.

The push to designate China as a 'Do Not Travel' country comes as the US State Department currently maintains a Level 3 advisory, advising citizens to reconsider travel. Lawmakers argue that the arbitrary enforcement of local laws and China's opaque legal system puts US citizens at risk of wrongful detention and exit bans.

China has been widely criticized for using foreign nationals as diplomatic bargaining chips, often arresting them under vague national security laws. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) called for addressing the issue within the broader US-China relationship, stressing that China's desire for economic ties offers leverage to demand changes.

Families of detained Americans, like Kai Li and Nelson Wells Jr., have shared heart-wrenching stories of prolonged imprisonment and deteriorating health conditions, raising alarms about the dire human rights situation for detainees. Rights organizations, such as the Dui Hua Foundation, estimate that over 200 US citizens are subject to detention or other coercive measures in China.

With mounting concerns about the safety of Americans, lawmakers continue to press for stronger diplomatic action and increased awareness, hoping to bring attention to the plight of those unjustly detained and their families' struggle for justice.