The U.S. government implemented a new and strict policy that prohibits its diplomatic staff, contractors, and family members with security clearances in China from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with citizens of that country.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that the measure was implemented in January by the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, shortly before leaving his post. Although some U.S. agencies already had restrictions on such ties, there had not been a general "no fraternization" policy since the Cold War.
The new regulation applies to the entire U.S. diplomatic delegation in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, as well as the consulate in Hong Kong. It does not apply to U.S. personnel in other countries.
Exceptions are only permitted for those who already had relationships with Chinese citizens before the measure came into effect; however, these individuals must apply for a formal exemption which, if denied, will require them to either end the relationship or leave their position. Violating this policy will result in immediate expulsion from China.
Security and intelligence reasons
The decision comes after concerns raised by members of the U.S. Congress, who deemed the existing restrictions insufficient.
According to intelligence experts, personal relationships can be used as a method to access sensitive information. They assert that Chinese intelligence services have employed seduction tactics to infiltrate foreign diplomatic delegations, including that of the United States.
Peter Mattis, former CIA analyst and current president of The Jamestown Foundation, warned that the Chinese Ministry of State Security continues to use pressure and coercion tactics on local citizens to extract information from foreigners. "The MSS is willing to exploit any human connection to gather intelligence," he noted.
The geopolitical context is becoming increasingly tense each day
The measure reflects an increase in internal and external controls both in China and the United States, amid rising bilateral tensions over trade, technology, and strategic issues.
As Washington strengthens its security policies, Beijing has also tightened its restrictions on its own officials, limiting their connections with foreigners and their extended stays abroad, which were already restricted.
Until January, American employees in China were only required to report personal connections with Chinese citizens, without any explicit prohibitions. The new policy, communicated verbally and electronically, marks a drastic shift in bilateral diplomatic relations.
The U.S. State Department and the National Security Council declined to comment on the matter, as did former ambassador Burns. For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “it is more appropriate to ask the United States about this issue.”
Tariffs imposed by Trump on China strain bilateral relations
This Wednesday, Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs for almost all countries around the world. Among the highest are the taxes on products from China at 34%.
"I have great respect for Xi, the president of China, but they are taking advantage of us," Trump stated, adding that the new economic phase in the United States will require legal labor, subtly acknowledging that his measures will have a severe economic impact.
In the midst of an increasingly tense geopolitical climate, the "no fraternization" policy imposed by Washington not only reflects the growing distrust towards the Chinese intelligence apparatus but also underscores how personal relationships, including those of a sexual nature, can become tools of espionage.
This measure, which directly affects the private lives of diplomatic personnel, reveals the extent to which the conflict between the United States and China goes beyond mere economic interests.
As trade wars and tariffs continue to escalate, control over human connections becomes another silent front where competition for global supremacy is fought.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ban on Romantic Relationships for U.S. Personnel in China
What does the new policy of the United States prohibit for its personnel in China?
The policy prohibits all diplomatic personnel, contractors, and family members with security clearances in China from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. This restriction aims to prevent security risks and possible intelligence infiltrations.
Why has this "no fraternization" policy been implemented in China?
The measure was taken due to security and intelligence concerns, as personal relationships can be exploited to access sensitive information. Chinese intelligence services could use seduction tactics to infiltrate foreign diplomatic delegations.
What happens if a U.S. staff member had a relationship with a Chinese citizen before the ban?
In the case of preexisting relationships, those involved must request a formal exemption. If the exemption is denied, they must end the relationship or resign from their position in China. Violation of this policy results in immediate expulsion from the country.
How does this policy affect diplomatic relations between the United States and China?
The policy reflects the increase in bilateral tensions between the United States and China on trade, technology, and strategic issues. Both nations have tightened their internal controls, increasing mutual distrust in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.
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