In a recent government hearing, witnesses urged the U.S. State Department to elevate its travel advisory for China to the highest level—\"Do Not Travel\"—due to the arbitrary detention of American citizens. The discussions highlighted the increasing risks faced by Americans traveling to China, with one witness stating emphatically, \"Nobody is safe in China.\"

The current advisory stands at level three, which advises travelers to \"reconsider travel.\" However, witnesses argued that this does not adequately reflect the dangers posed by the Chinese government, which has been accused of detaining Americans without just cause. One witness recounted the harrowing experience of their family member, who has faced harassment and threats while imprisoned in China, emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness and action.

The hearing also addressed a reported request from the Chinese government to lower the U.S. travel advisory, which witnesses dismissed as \"laughable\" given the ongoing detentions. They stressed that as long as Americans remain at risk, the advisory should be escalated to reflect the true situation.

Witnesses expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the plight of detained Americans. They called on U.S. leaders to prioritize these cases in diplomatic discussions, arguing that the release of detained individuals should be a clear and achievable goal in U.S.-China relations.

The hearing concluded with a commitment from lawmakers to continue advocating for the rights and safety of American citizens abroad, underscoring the need for more frequent consular visits to those imprisoned in China. The testimonies served as a poignant reminder of the personal toll of international relations and the urgent need for action to protect American citizens.