 "The downsizing measures come as the White House under the Donald Trump administration tries to overhaul its diplomatic missions across the world. AFP file")
The United States is all set to decrease the size of the workforce at its diplomatic mission in China by 10 per cent amid an ongoing trade war between the two countries.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, American diplomats in the US Embassy and other consular officials in mainland China and Hong Kong will be served notices as early as Friday as Washington swiftly downsizes its mission in the country.
The size cut would affect officials employed in the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan and Hong Kong. It is, however, not clear whether the laid-off employees will be reassigned elsewhere.
One source characterised the downsizing as “significant,” noting that it is likely the most substantial reduction of the US diplomatic team in China since formal diplomatic ties were established with the People’s Republic in 1979.
The sources told the news outlet that the downsizing measures come as the White House under the Donald Trump administration tries to overhaul its diplomatic missions across the world.
Meanwhile, US media reports say that 60 contractors at the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor have been dismissed in recent weeks, with additional cuts expected in other bureaus.
Impact Shorts
View AllThe move also comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing State Secretary Marco Rubio to launch a total revamp of foreign services to ensure “faithful and effective implementation” of his foreign policy.
Trump has selected former Republican Senator David Perdue as the next US ambassador to China. His appointment requires Senate approval, but he is unlikely to encounter significant resistance in the Republican-controlled chamber.