U.S. Embassy in Beijing Bans Staff From Sexual Ties with Chinese Citizens

Reportedly, American embassy personnel, their family members, and contractors with high-security clearances who are working in China are now officially banned by the U.S. government from engaging in any form of romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. The new policy, which was implemented by former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns shortly before his departure from China last January, was revealed by four anonymous sources who spoke to the Associated Press.

The policy, which was invented in the Cold War era, traditionally did not allow many diplomats, embassy staff members, and other government personnel to marry and date local citizens in their host country. However, discussions regarding a "non-fraternization" policy began in the summer of the previous year, spearheaded by the late U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns.

Initially, Burns implemented a partial version of the policy, which specifically prohibited intimate or romantic relationships between U.S. government personnel and Chinese citizens employed within the U.S. Embassy. However, following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America, Burns was able to significantly expand the scope of the ban, extending the prohibition to cover all romantic and intimate relationships between American government personnel and any Chinese citizens while they are working inside of China.

Reportedly, the new policy applies to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, all consulates in mainland China, and the consulate in Hong Kong. The only individuals exempt from this policy are U.S. personnel who had pre-existing relationships with Chinese citizens prior to its implementation. Those eligible for exemptions must formally apply for approval. If their exemption requests are denied, the affected staff members will be required to either terminate their relationship or immediately return to the United States.