The Blubber

U.S. Bans Romantic Relationships Between Government Personnel and Chinese Citizens

The U.S. government has implemented a new policy prohibiting American officials in China—including government personnel, contractors with security clearances, and their family members—from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese nationals, The Associated Press has learned.

According to four individuals familiar with the directive, the policy was enacted by outgoing U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, just before he departed China. Due to the sensitive nature of the policy, the sources spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

While various U.S. agencies have long maintained strict guidelines around fraternization, a sweeping, publicly acknowledged “non-fraternization” rule has not been seen since the Cold War era. In contrast, it's fairly common for American diplomats stationed abroad to date or even marry local citizens.

A narrower version of the policy was reportedly introduced last summer, targeting relationships between U.S. personnel and Chinese nationals working at the U.S. Embassy or one of its five consulates—primarily those employed as guards or support staff. However, in January, Burns expanded that policy into a blanket ban on any such relationships with Chinese citizens within China. The AP was unable to confirm how the directive specifically defines “romantic or sexual relationship.”

Two of the sources said discussions around tightening these restrictions began last summer after members of Congress reached out to Ambassador Burns with concerns that existing rules did not go far enough. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party declined to comment when contacted by the AP.