China has strongly condemned Washington after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new blacklist of countries accused of detaining American citizens, calling the move “groundless and provocative.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing said it “firmly opposes” the measure, arguing that the U.S. is politicising consular issues and using unilateral pressure to interfere in the internal affairs of other states.
“This so-called blacklist is nothing more than coercive diplomacy under another name. It is irresponsible, damages mutual trust, and undermines the spirit of international cooperation,” a spokesperson said.
Trump unveiled the initiative at a campaign rally, pledging that any government “wrongfully holding Americans hostage” would face sanctions, travel restrictions, and possible suspension of bilateral agreements. While he did not name all the targeted nations, Chinese officials believe the policy is designed to increase pressure on Beijing, which has faced repeated U.S. criticism over the detention of dual nationals and foreign citizens.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions in Washington. Supporters argue the policy is a necessary tool to deter what they call “hostage diplomacy,” while critics warn it risks escalating tensions and could endanger Americans abroad.
Human rights groups said the blacklist highlights a growing problem of politically motivated detentions but cautioned against what they see as a blunt, unilateral approach. “This is a global issue that requires coordinated diplomatic solutions, not blacklists that may further isolate countries,” said Sophie Richardson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
China’s response reflects wider concerns over deteriorating U.S.–China relations, already strained by disputes over trade, technology, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. Beijing insists that all legal cases involving foreign citizens are handled “in accordance with Chinese law.”
So far, Beijing has not indicated whether it will retaliate against the blacklist, but officials warned that Washington should be prepared to “bear full responsibility for the consequences” if the policy harms bilateral ties.
Analysts say the issue underscores how disputes over individual cases can easily become flashpoints in an already fraught relationship. With both governments unwilling to appear soft, they warn that diplomacy will become increasingly difficult as campaign politics collide with international tensions.