Ban on diplomatic ‘affairs’: No dating or sex with Chinese, US diplomats told

Engaging in sexual or romantic relationships is considered a matter of personal choice.

But for the employees of the US embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan, as well as the consulate in Hong Kong, it could attract severe consequences and even lead to the loss of job.

Associated Press has reported that the US government has imposed a ban on American diplomats, their families and security-cleared contractors in China from seeking romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.

The new policy was introduced in January this year, days before US ambassador Nicholas Burns left his post. This is an expanded version of a previous policy released in summer last year which barred employees from having “romantic and sexual relations” with Chinese citizens working as guards and other support staff at the US embassy and the five consulates.

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It was not clear how strictly the new laws would be enforced.

The AP report stated that those personnel already in relationships with Chinese citizens can apply for a waiver. If the application is rejected, either the employees would have to forego their relationships or they would be removed from their posts.

The strict enforcement shows just how seriously the US government is taking security risks, making it clear that they want to prevent any foreign influence through personal relationships.

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According to historical CIA documents, back in 1987, the US banned its personnel in “high intelligence threat countries” — like China and the Soviet Union — from having close personal ties with locals. The idea was to keep them from being targeted by foreign intelligence agencies.

Now, with tensions between the US and China heating up over security, trade, and technology, a new ban has been put in place, reinforcing those same concerns.

An American intelligence report released last month identified China as the top military and cyber threat to the US. The report said China had the ability to launch attacks against the US using conventional weapons and compromise US infrastructure through cyberattacks.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed these claims, urging the US to adopt a “responsible attitude”.

“The US and its allies are the main source of cyberattacks targeting China,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo said on Thursday, adding that China would continue to do what was necessary to protect its cybersecurity. “China urges the US to adopt a responsible attitude and take a harder look at itself.”

(With inputs from agencies)