Plans to travel to China, but recognized as a USA-China dual citizen? Any issues?

Question

I am 26 years old, US citizen (born and raised), have never been to China but planning on going this year. My parents were Chinese nationals at the time I was born so I am considered a Chinese national according to their law. I am only finding this out now as I was told I need a travel document, and not a visa to travel to China. My only concern is, will I have issues when exiting China since I am also considered a Chinese national? Is there anything else I need to know? I have a US passport and nothing else, just want to do my research before I go. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

My parents were Chinese nationals at the time I was born so I am considered a Chinese national according to their law.

Check again if either of your parents were permanent residents of the U.S. at the time of your birth. If either had green card, you are not a Chinese national.

My only concern is, will I have issues when exiting China since I am also considered a Chinese national?

Normally, your Chinese travel document, if issued for two years, is valid for exit and entry, unless otherwise endorsed. This (being in "conflict of nationalities", where a Chinese national involuntarily acquires another nationality by law of another country) is no longer something that unusual.

As a Chinese citizen, you are not entitled to U.S. consular protection while in China*, though as a U.S. citizen, you can and should still ask U.S. embassy for help if incidents arise. You should still bring your U.S. passport; if nothing else, the airlines need your American passport to allow you to board the plane to the U.S.

[*] Exception exists for persons who are considered to be Chinese citizens, but entered China with a U.S. passport and an apparently valid Chinese visa (despite that the visa should not have been issued to a Chinese national). These persons are entitled to U.S. consular assistance under a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and China. Persons who travel on a Chinese travel document is considered as Chinese citizens only within China and cannot claim right to consular protection.