Image via Ivan Marc/Shutterstock

China on Thursday slammed as “groundless” a US decision to order Chinese diplomats to notify the State Department before meeting with local officials, in the latest spat to strain bilateral relations.
Washington — which called the move “reciprocal” — announced the decision Wednesday in response to the inability of US diplomats to meet with a range of Chinese officials and academics, a senior State Department official said, speaking anonymously.
“What the US has said about China restricting the activities of US diplomats is simply groundless,” said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, adding that China “consistently supported” US diplomats in the country.
“We urge the US to correct its mistakes, revoke the relevant decision, and provide support and convenience for Chinese diplomats in the US… rather than artificially setting up barriers,” he told reporters at a press briefing in Beijing.
The move comes as Washington and Beijing — the world’s two largest economies — are locked in a bitter trade dispute.
A partial deal is now being put in writing, President Donald Trump said Wednesday, while Beijing said both sides were working towards “an early agreement”.
“Unfortunately in China, US diplomats do not have unfettered access to a range of folks that are important for us to do our job there,” the US official told reporters.
“That includes local and provincial level officials, academic institutions, research institutes,” the official said. “We have to seek permission and such permission is often denied.”
Chinese diplomats will henceforth be required to tell the State Department in advance of any official meetings with US diplomats, local or municipal officials, and before any visits to colleges or research institutions.
“What we’re trying to achieve here is just to get closer to a reciprocal situation,” the official said, emphasizing that Chinese diplomats were not being asked to get “permission” for their visits.
The official said he hoped the measure would prompt Beijing to open up its own country a bit more to US diplomats.
The US and China are also at odds over intellectual property rights and human rights questions including freedom of speech.
– AFP

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
You May Also Like

Biden presses Xi on HK, Xinjiang in first phone call

by Paul Handley/Jerome Cartillier Joe Biden pressed Chinese leader Xi Jinping over…

Before a federal judge, Trump denies mishandling US secrets

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal counts, including mishandling classified information, in his first court appearance. Trump dismissed the charges as politically motivated and accused President Biden of interference in the 2024 election. The indictment alleges that Trump violated the Espionage Act and conspired to obstruct investigators. Despite mounting legal woes, Trump remains the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican primary, with strong backing from Republican voters.

US election officials say ‘no evidence’ of compromised votes

by Paul Handley There is no evidence of compromised ballots or corrupt voting…