The United States government has imposed a ban on its employees from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, effective in January.
This “non-fraternization” policy, implemented by former US Ambassador Nicholas Burns, applies to all government personnel in China, including those at the US Embassy and five consulates.
The ban, which has been in effect since January, aims to address concerns about potential security risks and espionage. Employees found to be in violation of the policy will be required to either end their relationship or leave their position in China.
“We have to be mindful of the risks associated with these relationships,” said a US official, who wished to remain anonymous. The policy has sparked debate, with some arguing it infringes on personal freedoms.
The ban is an extension of a previous policy that prohibited US government employees from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens working as guards at the US Embassy and five consulates. The expanded policy now covers all Chinese citizens.
The move reflects growing tensions between the US and China, with the US also imposing a ban on TikTok amid concerns over data collection by the Chinese government through ByteDance.