By The Straits Times | Created at 2025-04-03 08:37:37 | Updated at 2025-04-04 18:41:44
1 day ago
WASHINGTON – The United States has banned government personnel based in China from having romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, the Associated Press has reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The policy was put into effect by then US Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January shortly before he left China, and applies also to family members and contractors with security clearances, the news service said on April 3, citing four people with direct knowledge of the matter that it did not identify.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry referred questions to the US side in response to a Bloomberg News enquiry.
The State Department said it does not comment on internal matters.
The ban underscores Washington’s increasing suspicion of Beijing as the two countries continue to wrestle over trade issues and global influence.
China vowed to take firm countermeasures after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on it and other trading partners at a White House event on April 2.
The policy covers US missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan, as well as the US consulate in Hong Kong, the AP said.
US personnel stationed outside China and staff with existing relations with Chinese citizens are exempted, according to the outlet.
China also has requirements on personal relationships for its diplomatic staff.
Chinese government personnel whose spouse has foreign nationality or permanent resident status abroad are prohibited from serving in foreign missions, according to a law passed in 2009. BLOOMBERG
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
