Tensions between the US and China over business exchanges continue to grow, with reports that Chinese tech employees are facing unprecedented visa denials ahead of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This has raised concerns about the potential disruption to the global electronics market.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), many Chinese workers preparing to attend CES have been denied US visas, despite holding official invitations to the event. A CES spokesperson confirmed that some Chinese attendees and exhibitors had been affected, urging the US government to expedite visa approvals for legitimate business travelers.
Chris Pereira, founder of iMpact, a New York-based consultancy, shared on LinkedIn that half of the 40 Chinese companies attending a recent cross-cultural leadership training program reported visa denials for their staff, even with CES invitations in hand. Pereira later confirmed that at least three more clients had faced similar issues. “CES is a great opportunity for global business exchanges, and it’s frustrating to see events like this being impacted,” he said.
The growing visa denials are seen as part of a broader US strategy to reduce exchanges with China. He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, warned that restricting Chinese participation in CES could disrupt trade in consumer electronics between the two countries. He emphasized that limiting such exchanges would ultimately harm the US market and consumers by increasing challenges in supply chains and raising costs.
China and the US have a complementary relationship in the consumer electronics sector. China contributes advanced technologies and a wide range of products, which help lower inflation and provide greater variety for American consumers. Approximately 4,000 exhibitors are expected at CES in January 2025, with over 30% representing Chinese companies, according to SCMP.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the US, expressed hope that the US would reduce policy obstacles like visa restrictions. “We hope the US will collaborate with China to foster more exchanges in business, science, technology, and other sectors,” Liu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Chinese companies have been a major presence at CES since 1991. While participation reached a record 1,551 companies in 2018, numbers have fluctuated in recent years. In 2021, only 210 Chinese firms attended, dropping further to 159 in 2022 and 493 in 2023, according to SCMP.
As US restrictions on trade and business exchanges intensify, many Chinese firms are increasingly worried about the rising uncertainties. He Weiwen urged the US to take a more cooperative approach, focusing on mutual benefits in the consumer electronics sector and moving away from outdated Cold War-era thinking.
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