U.S. Prohibits Government Staff in China from Engaging in Romantic Relationships with Local Citizens
The U.S. government has implemented a new directive prohibiting American government personnel, along with their families and contractors holding security clearances, from pursuing any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. This policy was enacted by departing U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, in January. Sources familiar with the matter have disclosed that this directive was communicated internally but has not been publicly announced.
While certain U.S. agencies previously had restrictions regarding relationships with local nationals, this comprehensive "non-fraternization" policy is unprecedented in recent history, echoing practices from the Cold War era. Traditionally, American diplomats stationed in other countries have had the freedom to engage in personal relationships with local citizens.
The new policy is an extension of a more limited measure enacted last summer, which specifically targeted romantic and sexual relations between U.S. personnel and Chinese nationals employed as support staff at U.S. diplomatic missions in China. However, the recent directive broadens this ban to all Chinese citizens within the country. The exact definition of what constitutes a "romantic or sexual relationship" under this policy has not been clarified.
The discussions surrounding the policy began last summer when concerns were raised by members of Congress regarding the laxness of existing restrictions. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has not provided any comments regarding these developments.
This directive applies to all U.S. diplomatic missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in major cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan, as well as the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong. Notably, the ban does not extend to American personnel stationed in other countries.
Exceptions to the policy allow individuals with existing relationships to apply for waivers. However, should an exemption be denied, those affected must either end the relationship or resign from their positions. Violations of this policy could result in immediate expulsion from China.
The State Department has refrained from commenting on this internal matter, while the National Security Council has redirected inquiries to the State Department. Nicholas Burns, upon leaving his ambassadorship, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the policy.
Historically, intelligence agencies worldwide have employed attractive individuals to extract sensitive information, a tactic famously utilized during the Cold War. The U.S. State Department has long imposed strict reporting requirements on personal relationships involving personnel stationed in China, consistently viewing relationships with local citizens as potential security threats.
Declassified historical documents indicate that in 1987, the U.S. government restricted personnel in the Soviet bloc and China from forming close relationships with local nationals after incidents of espionage. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, these restrictions were relaxed.
In China, a comprehensive ban on such relationships had not been enforced for many years prior to this new ruling. Previously, U.S. personnel were required to disclose any intimate relationships with Chinese citizens but were not outright prohibited from entering into such relationships.
American diplomats and intelligence experts have expressed concerns that Chinese intelligence continues to utilize "honeypots" to infiltrate U.S. governmental operations. Personnel stationed in China are often briefed on case studies demonstrating how Chinese agents have employed attractive individuals to compromise American diplomats.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not commented on the U.S. ban, suggesting that inquiries should be directed to the U.S. government. In the meantime, China itself has tightened regulations on its overseas personnel, with reports indicating strict enforcement of rules that limit promotions for civil servants with foreign spouses and restrict diplomats from spending extended periods abroad.
As tensions between the U.S. and China escalate over various issues, including trade and technology, the implications of this policy remain to be fully realized within the broader context of international relations.
