AP: China Dating Ban Imposed on US Embassy Staff
American officials stationed in China are reportedly facing a comprehensive "non-fraternization" policy. According to a report by AP on Thursday, Washington has prohibited its diplomatic staff in China, along with their family members and contractors...
TroibNews 
American officials stationed in China are reportedly facing a comprehensive "non-fraternization" policy.
According to a report by AP on Thursday, Washington has prohibited its diplomatic staff in China, along with their family members and contractors holding security clearances, from engaging in any form of "romantic and sexual relations" with Chinese citizens. This information was sourced from four individuals familiar with the situation.
The policy was allegedly implemented by outgoing US Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, just days before US President Donald Trump took office. It builds upon a policy introduced the previous summer, which restricted staff at the US embassy and five consulates from having intimate relationships with Chinese guards and other support personnel.
The AP noted that it could not ascertain how "romantic and sexual relations" were specifically defined within the policy. The recent adjustments have effectively transformed the guidelines into a comprehensive "non-fraternization" approach that echoes the Cold War period, the agency reported.
The updates have been communicated to staff both verbally and through electronic mail, yet they were never made public, according to the sources.
Only US personnel who had pre-existing relationships with Chinese nationals are eligible for individually considered exemptions. If an exemption request is rejected, individuals are required to terminate their relationship, the sources indicated. Those found to be in breach of the policy will be mandated to leave China and return home immediately.
Western intelligence agencies, especially those from the US and the UK, have consistently cautioned diplomatic personnel and private citizens against engaging in romantic relationships with Chinese nationals. These intelligence services have often accused Beijing of operating a large "honey trap" spy network, primarily involving attractive women who allegedly target foreign nationals to develop long-term relationships, ultimately pressuring them into cooperation with the Chinese government.
While no definitive evidence of such activities has been disclosed, China has repeatedly denied the accusations, claiming that Western intelligence agencies project their own "disgraceful acts" onto the nation.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
According to a report by AP on Thursday, Washington has prohibited its diplomatic staff in China, along with their family members and contractors holding security clearances, from engaging in any form of "romantic and sexual relations" with Chinese citizens. This information was sourced from four individuals familiar with the situation.
The policy was allegedly implemented by outgoing US Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, just days before US President Donald Trump took office. It builds upon a policy introduced the previous summer, which restricted staff at the US embassy and five consulates from having intimate relationships with Chinese guards and other support personnel.
The AP noted that it could not ascertain how "romantic and sexual relations" were specifically defined within the policy. The recent adjustments have effectively transformed the guidelines into a comprehensive "non-fraternization" approach that echoes the Cold War period, the agency reported.
The updates have been communicated to staff both verbally and through electronic mail, yet they were never made public, according to the sources.
Only US personnel who had pre-existing relationships with Chinese nationals are eligible for individually considered exemptions. If an exemption request is rejected, individuals are required to terminate their relationship, the sources indicated. Those found to be in breach of the policy will be mandated to leave China and return home immediately.
Western intelligence agencies, especially those from the US and the UK, have consistently cautioned diplomatic personnel and private citizens against engaging in romantic relationships with Chinese nationals. These intelligence services have often accused Beijing of operating a large "honey trap" spy network, primarily involving attractive women who allegedly target foreign nationals to develop long-term relationships, ultimately pressuring them into cooperation with the Chinese government.
While no definitive evidence of such activities has been disclosed, China has repeatedly denied the accusations, claiming that Western intelligence agencies project their own "disgraceful acts" onto the nation.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
