The US government has implemented a strict policy that prohibits US government employees, family members and contractors with security clearance from having romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. In January, former US Ambassador Nicholas Burns implemented a similar policy that forbade personnel and guards posted at certain embassy posts from having relationships with Chinese citizens.
Such a "non-fraternization" policy is unheard of since the Cold War, as it is not uncommon for American diplomats in other countries to date or marry locals.
Until the new restrictions were imposed in January, US personnel in China were expected to report any intimate contact with Chinese nationals to their superiors, but sexual or romantic relationships were never so blatantly prohibited.
The new policy has been introduced in the wake of concerns about potential security risks, particularly in light of China's alleged use of "honeypots" or 'honeytraps' to obtain sensitive information from US diplomats.
According to former CIA analyst Peter Mattis, Chinese government security agents have been known to seduce American diplomats, and even ordinary Chinese citizens dating American diplomats could prove a threat.
The policy applies to U.S. personnel stationed in mainland China, including the Embassy in Beijing and Consulates-General in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan, as well as the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong.
However, this does not apply to US personnel stationed outside China, reports AP. Those with pre-existing relationships with Chinese nationals can apply for an exemption, but if denied, they must end the relationship or leave their post. If the policy is violated, the personnel involved will be ordered to leave China immediately.
The policy reflects a major shift in the US government's approach to security in China, reflecting growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and geopolitical competition.
China's Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the policy, saying "it would be more appropriate to ask the US about this question."
In contrast, China has strict rules to control the private lives of its employees abroad. Chinese civil servants whose spouses have taken foreign citizenship are not promoted and diplomats are not allowed to stay in one country for long periods of time. In addition, Chinese officials and employees are also prohibited from having romantic or sexual relationships with foreign nationals.
