The US government has banned American government personnel in China, as well as their family members, from having any kind of romantic or sexual relationship with Chinese citizens, the Associated Press reported.
Four sources told the AP about the decision, which took effect shortly before U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns left China. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is confidential.
Although some US agencies already have strict rules about such relationships, such a policy has been unheard of publicly since the Cold War. It is not uncommon for US diplomats in other countries to have romantic relationships with locals and even marry them.
A version of the policy was put in place last summer, barring American personnel from “romantic and sexual relationships” with Chinese nationals working as guards or support staff at the U.S. Embassy and five consulates in China. But Burns expanded that policy to a full ban on such relationships with Chinese nationals in China starting in January, days after President Donald Trump took office.
The only exception to this policy is for US personnel who have already been in romantic relationships with Chinese citizens before this decision was made. They must apply to be exempted from the decision, and if denied, they must end the relationship or leave their job. Anyone who violates the policy will be ordered to leave China immediately.
This policy has also been communicated to US personnel in China via emails, but no public announcement has been made.