American flag lowered as US officials vacate Chengdu consulate in China

Police in Chinese city have closed off a two to the three-block area around the consulate, cutting off virtually any view of the property

The American flag has been taken down at a US consulate in southwestern China, according to state media, as officials vacate the premises under the order of the Chinese government.

State broadcaster CCTV said on its social media account that the flag was lowered at 6.18 am on Monday at the US mission in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.

Police have closed off a two to the three-block area around the consulate, cutting off virtually any view of the property. Vehicles could be seen moving in the distance behind multiple police lines.

China ordered the closing of the consulate