The U.S. government has enacted a new policy banning romantic or sexual relationships between American staff members in China and Chinese nationals. The order, which covers diplomats, security-cleared contractors, and their relatives, was made in January by former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns prior to his departure from China, as reported by the Associated Press. The ban covers all mainland Chinese embassies of the United States, as well as consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong.
Even though the ban does not apply to U.S. personnel stationed outside China, those already in a relationship with Chinese citizens can apply for an exception. If refused, they have to break up or quit their assignment. The order, issued internally in January, indicates the worsening of relations between the U.S. and China, fueled by competition in trade, tech, and global status.
Echoes of the Cold War
The new policy harks back to Cold War-era limits placed on U.S. diplomats serving in Soviet-dominated areas and China to avoid espionage and intelligence leakage through personal contacts. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the rules were eased, but the latest development indicates that U.S. officials see a growing espionage threat from Chinese authorities in recent years.
Increased Concerns Over Espionage
There have been tensions between Beijing and Washington over geopolitical matters, trade wars, and technological rivalry. According to Peter Mattis, who is a former CIA analyst and president of The Jamestown Foundation, there have been at least two known instances where Chinese agents tricked American diplomats into romance in order to obtain sensitive information. He also noted that Chinese intelligence activities do not depend on professional spies alone but also coerce common citizens to provide information, usually through intimidation or coercion.
“The MSS is willing to use any human contact that a target may have to gather intelligence,” Mattis said, referring to China’s Ministry of State Security. “This change in the rule indicates the MSS has become much more aggressive at attempting to enter the embassy and U.S. government.”