China Closes US Consulate in Chengdu Amidst Escalating Tensions.
The American flag over the
consulate was lowered on
Monday morning in Chengdu.
The Chinese takeover of the
premises ends the U.S.’s 35-year
official presence in the city.
The move is in retaliation for
the U.S. closing the Chinese
consulate in Houston, Texas.
We will miss the people
of Southwest China and
the friendship we
have established, Chengdu Consul General Jim Mullinax, via Twitter.
The State Department expressed disappointment
in a statement, saying it will continue its outreach
through other missions in the country.
Tensions have been rising between the
two nations over the coronavirus, human
rights and an ongoing trade war