Beijing ordered the closure of the U.S. consulate in Chengdu, a city in southwestern China, retaliating against Washington’s decision to shut down the Chinese consulate in Houston.
The decision adds to the deterioration of ties between the world’s two largest economies, which have clashed over trade, technology, handling of the coronavirus pandemic and global influence.
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it informed the U.S. Embassy in Beijing on Friday morning of China’s demand for the Chengdu consulate to cease all operations and activities. It wasn’t specific about a time frame for the requested shutdown.