Earlier, Beijing warned that it would take “decisive countermeasures”.
China may close the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu (southwestern Sichuan Province) in response to Washington’s demand to shut down the Chinese diplomatic mission in Houston. This was reported by the South China Morning Post on Thursday, citing sources.
Earlier Beijing warned that it would take “decisive countermeasures” if the U.S. does not withdraw its demand.
In total, the United States has five consulates general in mainland China: in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Chengdu and Wuhan, as well as a major diplomatic mission in Hong Kong.
According to the newspaper, initially discussed the possibility of closing the U.S. consulate office in Wuhan (Hubei Province). However, according to analysts, this step will not have a serious effect, given the fact that the U.S. side has already evacuated its personnel from this city after the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the closure of the diplomatic mission in Chengdu, operating since 1985, is seen as a more painful step for bilateral relations, explains the publication.
Washington on Tuesday demanded that Beijing close the Consulate General in Houston within 72 hours. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said this “unilateral US political provocation seriously violates the norms of international law and key principles of international relations, as well as the consular agreement” of the two countries. The Chinese authorities will take “decisive countermeasures” if the U.S. does not give up its demand, the diplomat warned.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Bigan earlier said that the closure of the diplomatic mission was demanded due to “theft of U.S. technology”, “inappropriate use” of student exchange systems, as well as “behavior incompatible with standard practice of diplomacy” of the Consulate General. Bigen refused to reveal the details.