U.S. Government Prohibits Romantic Relations with Chinese Nationals
The U.S. government has instituted a ban preventing personnel in China from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, including family and contractors. This policy, enacted by Ambassador Nicholas Burns, expands previous limitations following Congressional concerns about security risks. The ordinance applies to all U.S. missions in mainland China and includes provisions for existing relationships. The move underscores rising tensions between the U.S. and China, as both countries tighten regulations on interactions between their citizens.
The United States government has implemented a ban on romantic or sexual relationships between American government personnel in China and Chinese citizens. This directive also extends to family members and contractors holding security clearances. The Associated Press has obtained information indicating that this policy was enacted by departing U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, just prior to his departure from China.
Although certain U.S. agencies previously enforced strict rules regarding intimate relationships, a comprehensive non-fraternization policy of this nature had not been publicly recognized since the Cold War era. Unlike other countries where American diplomats often engage in local relationships, this blanket ban applies universally to all Chinese citizens within China.
A more limited policy had been established last summer, restricting relationships only with Chinese citizens employed as guards and support staff at U.S. diplomatic installations. Ambassador Burns expanded this restriction to encompass all Chinese citizens in January, following concerns raised by Congress regarding the insufficiency of prior measures.
The directive governs U.S. missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai. U.S. personnel outside of China are not subject to this policy. A provision exists for those who had pre-existing relationships, allowing them to apply for exemptions. If denied, they must terminate the relationship or resign their position, with breaching the policy resulting in immediate expulsion from China.
Communication of this policy occurred informally among American personnel but has yet to be publicly disclosed. The State Department and the National Security Council declined to comment on internal policies.
Historically, intelligence services worldwide utilize attractive individuals to garner sensitive information, a tactic notably prevalent during the Cold War. While stringent rules on personal relationships existed in the past, personnel stationed in China had previously been required to report rather than fully refrain from intimate contacts with Chinese citizens.
Recent years have seen heightened tensions between the United States and China due to various geopolitical issues. According to Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst, there have been documented instances of Chinese agents seducing American diplomats, highlighting the risk posed by intimate relationships to U.S. personnel abroad.
The Chinese government has simultaneously tightened its regulations regarding relationships with foreigners, reflecting parallel enforcement of restrictions within its own ranks. Chinese officials are generally prohibited from engaging in romantic relationships with foreign nationals, further underscoring the complexities of diplomatic interactions between the two nations.
The U.S. has enacted a sweeping ban on romantic or sexual interactions between government personnel and Chinese citizens, rooted in concerns of national security amid growing tensions with China. While historically uncommon, such policies reflect an evolving landscape for American diplomats, necessitated by past incidents of espionage. Concurrently, China continues to impose strict regulations on its own personnel interacting with foreigners, intensifying the complexities of international relations between the countries.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
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