The United States government has banned any government personnel in China, including family members and contractors with security clearance, from having any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.
The news was first reported to the Associated Press by anonymous sources with direct knowledge of the matter. It came into play by departing U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns before he left China in January.
While a strict ‘no-fraternisation’ policy like this one has been unheard of since the Cold War, a looser policy was enacted last summer, prohibiting U.S. officials from romantic and sexual relations with Chinese citizens working as guards and other support staff at the U.S. Embassy and five consulates in China.
The new policy will cover U.S. 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.
However, U.S. personnel already in relations with Chinese citizens can apply for exemptions. If the exemption is denied, they will have to either end the relationship or leave their position.
American personnel in China were told about the new policy in January.
The public announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump announces more worldwide tariffs and tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate.
