American officers working in China have been reportedly subjected to a blanket “non-fraternization” coverage
Washington has banned its diplomatic personnel in China, in addition to their relations and contractors with safety clearances, from participating into any form of “romantic and sexual relations” with Chinese language residents, AP reported on Thursday, citing 4 folks with direct data of the matter.
The coverage was reportedly enacted by departing US Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, days earlier than US President Donald Trump took workplace. It expanded on a coverage launched final summer time that prohibited workers on the US embassy and 5 consulates from participating in intimate relations with Chinese language guards and different supporting personnel.
The AP stated it was not in a position to decide how precisely “romantic and sexual relations” have been outlined by the coverage. The newest adjustments have successfully turned the coverage right into a blanket “non-fraternization” method paying homage to the Chilly Struggle period, the company reported.
The change has been communicated verbally and thru email correspondence to the staffers, however was by no means publicly introduced, the sources stated.
Solely US personnel with pre-existing relations with Chinese language nationals are topic to individually reviewed exemptions. Ought to an exemption be denied, they’re obliged to finish their relationship, the sources claimed. Anybody present in violation of the coverage can be ordered to depart China and return residence instantly.
Western intelligence companies, notably these of the US and the UK, have lengthy warned diplomatic employees and personal people alike in opposition to participating in relationships with Chinese language nationals. The intelligence providers have repeatedly accused Beijing of working an unlimited “honey entice” spy community, composed primarily of engaging females, who allegedly goal international nationals, participating in long-term relationships with them and finally pressuring them into cooperation with Beijing.
Whereas no stable proof of such actions has ever been introduced, China has repeatedly denied the allegations and accused Western intelligence providers of merely projecting their very own “disgraceful acts” onto the nation.
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