The US government has banned US government personnel in China, as well as family members and contractors with security clearances, from any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, The Associated Press (AP) has learned.
Four people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP about the policy, which was put into effect by departing US ambassador Nicholas Burns in January shortly before he left China.
The people would speak only on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a confidential directive.
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Although some US agencies already had strict rules on such relationships, a blanket “nonfraternization” policy, as it is known, has been unheard of publicly since the Cold War. It is not uncommon for US diplomats in other countries to date locals and even marry them.
A more limited version of the policy was enacted last summer prohibiting US personnel from “romantic and sexual relations” with Chinese citizens working as guards and other support staff at the US embassy and five consulates in China.
However, Burns broadened it to a blanket ban on such relations with any Chinese citizen in China in January, days before US President Donald Trump took office.
Two of the people with knowledge of the ban told the AP that the new policy was first discussed last summer after members of the US Congress contacted Burns to express concern that restrictions on such relationships were not stringent enough.
The US House of Representatives Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the US and the Chinese Communist Party did not respond to a request for comment.
The policy covers US missions in China, including the embassy in Beijing, and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan, as well as the US consulate in Hong Kong. It does not apply to US personnel stationed outside China.
The only exception to the policy is US personnel with pre-existing relations with Chinese citizens; they can apply for exemptions. If the exemption is denied, they must end the relationship or leave their position, the people said.
Anyone who contravenes the policy would be ordered to leave China immediately, they said.
The policy was communicated verbally and electronically to US personnel in China in January, but has not been publicly announced.
The US Department of State said it does not comment on internal matters.
The US National Security Council referred questions to the state department.
Burns did not reply to an AP request sent to his e-mail address at The Cohen Group, a consultancy that he rejoined as vice chair in February.
Intelligence services around the world have long used attractive men and women to obtain sensitive information, including during the Cold War.
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