The U.S. Consulate in Shenyang has issued the below security alert related to anti-Japanese protests currently taking place nearby.
Today is the anniversary of the Mukden Incident, also known as the Manchurian Incident, a staged event engineered by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for invading the northern part of China, known as Manchuria, on Sept. 18, 1931.
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From: Shenyang, American Citizen Services [mailto:ShenyangACS@state.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 2:06 PM
To: Shenyang, American Citizen Services
Subject: Shenyang Security Alert
In light of ongoing and likely further protests in Shenyang and throughout China related to a territorial dispute in the East China Sea between China and Japan, the U.S. Consulate in Shenyang reminds Americans in Northeast China that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. In Shenyang, large demonstrations have been occurring near the Japanese Consulate, next door to the U.S. Consulate. This has resulted in an extremely large police and security presence and the closure of streets in area immediately around the neighboring consulates.
Protests have been scheduled for all day Tuesday, September 18. A heavy police presence has been reported in many parts of town but it is anticipated that the protests will again be centered near the diplomatic district where both the U.S. and Japanese consulates are located. The U.S. Consulate is still open for routine services, but we urge you to allow extra time for your appointment and to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay abreast of media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and Consular Information Sheet for China can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the U.S. Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate’s Consular Section, located at No. 52 Shisi Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang, China. Also, you may reach us at (86-24) 2322-1198. After normal business hours, you may obtain our duty officer’s number after dialing our phone number (86-24) 2322-1198.
All U.S. citizens in China are urged to enroll online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within China and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of an emergency.
American Citizen Services
U.S. Consulate General
Shenyang, China
Tel: 86-24-2322-1198 ext 5132
Fax:86-24-2323-1465
Email: shenyangacs@state.gov
Website: http://shenyang.usconsulate.gov
This email is UNCLASSIFIED
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