China imposes reciprocal restrictions on US embassy and consulates

China has issued a diplomatic note announcing reciprocal restrictions on the activities of the US embassy and consulates in China, including the US consulate-general in Hong Kong, and their personnel, according to the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday that the relevant measures apply to senior diplomats and all other personnel of the embassy and consulates, with the aim of urging the US to repeal its wrong decisions as soon as possible.

Since October last year, the US Department of State has imposed multiple rounds of restrictions on the normal performance of duties by the Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States and their personnel, the spokesperson said, adding that the US practice has severely violated international law and basic norms governing international relations and disrupted China-US ties and normal exchanges between the two sides.

Stressing that these measures are China's legitimate and necessary response to the erroneous US moves, the spokesperson said China would continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between all sectors of the two countries, while the Chinese embassy and consulates will maintain normal interactions with all sectors in the United States.

"Once again we urge the US side to immediately correct its mistakes and lift the unreasonable restrictions imposed on the Chinese embassy and consulates and their staff. China will make reciprocal responses to US actions," said the spokesperson.