Home / World News / US orders China to shut Houston consulate in 3 days over espionage

US orders China to shut Houston consulate in 3 days over espionage

Washington "abruptly demanded" closure of the Houston consulate on Tuesday, China's foreign ministry said, calling the move an "unprecedented escalation."

us-china, us, china, america, united states

Premium

The State Department confirmed the decision and said the move was made “to protect American intellectual property and Americans’ private information.”

Reuters

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 23 2020 | 12:51 AM IST

The United States has told China to close its consulate in Houston in a dramatic worsening of ties between the world’s two biggest economies, and a source said Beijing was considering shutting the US consulate in Wuhan in retaliation.

Washington “abruptly demanded” closure of the Houston consulate on Tuesday, China’s foreign ministry said, calling the move an “unprecedented escalation.” The editor of an official Chinese media outlet said China had been given 72 hours to do so.

The State Department confirmed the decision and said the move was made “to protect American intellectual property and Americans’ private information.”

Beijing condemned the order and

What you get on BS Premium?

Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app.
Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them.
Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006.
Preferential invites to Business Standard events.
Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more.

VIEW ALL FAQs

Need More Information - write to us at assist@bsmail.in