US Bans Staff In China From Romantic Ties With Citizens, Says Report

The US has banned government personnel based in China from having romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, the Associated Press reported citing people familiar with the matter.

The policy was put into effect by departing 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 Thursday, citing four people with direct knowledge of the matter whom it didn’t identify.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry referred questions to the US side in response to a Bloomberg News enquiry. The State Department said it doesn’t comment on internal matters.

The ban underscores Washington’s increasing suspicion toward 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 the Asian nation and other trading partners at a White House event on Wednesday.

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 American consulate in the semi-autonomous territory of 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.