The U.S. government has banned American government personnel in China—including family members and contractors with security clearances—from engaging in any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, The Associated Press has learned.
Four people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP about the policy, which was implemented by departing U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, shortly before he left China. The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the confidential directive.
Although some U.S. agencies already had strict rules regarding such relationships, a blanket “non-fraternization” policy—such as this one—has not been publicly enforced since the Cold War. It is not uncommon for American diplomats in other countries to date or even marry locals.
A more limited version of the policy was enacted last summer, prohibiting U.S. personnel from engaging in “romantic and sexual relations” with Chinese citizens employed as guards and other support staff at the U.S. Embassy and five consulates in China. However, Burns broadened the policy in January—days before President Donald Trump took office—expanding the ban to cover relationships with any Chinese citizen in China. The AP was unable to determine the exact definition of “romantic or sexual relationship” under the policy.
Two sources familiar with the ban told the AP that discussions about the new policy began last summer after members of Congress contacted Burns, expressing concerns that existing restrictions were not stringent enough. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party did not respond to a request for comment.
The policy applies to U.S. missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan, as well as the American consulate in the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong. It does not apply to U.S. personnel stationed outside China.
The only exception to the policy is for U.S. personnel with pre-existing relationships with Chinese citizens; they can apply for exemptions. If an exemption is denied, they must either end the relationship or leave their position, the sources said. Anyone who violates the policy will be ordered to leave China immediately.
The directive was communicated verbally and electronically to American personnel in China in January but has not been publicly announced.
The State Department said it does not comment on internal matters, while the National Security Council referred questions to the State Department. Burns, the former ambassador, did not respond to an AP request for comment sent to his email address at The Cohen Group, a consultancy he rejoined as vice chair in February.
