US bans government staff in China from having relationships with Chinese nationals

An earlier version of the policy only prohibited US personnel from engaging in romantic and sexual relations with Chinese citizens who are working as guards and other support staff at the US Embassy and five consulates in China.

However, Burns later expanded the policy to disallow relationships with any Chinese citizen in the country just days before president Donald Trump took office.

The policy will affect staff at the US embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan, as well as the consulate in Hong Kong. This also includes their family members and contractors with security clearances.

Those stationed outside China will not be affected.

Personnel who have already formed relationships with Chinese citizens prior to the policy's implementation can apply for exemption.

However, if their application is denied, they must end the relationship or leave their position. Otherwise, they will be ordered to leave China immediately.

While the policy has not been announced publicly, it was "communicated verbally and electronically to American personnel in China in January," according to the report.

In previous years, US personnel in China were required to report any intimate contact with Chinese citizens to their supervisors but were not prohibited from having sexual or romantic relationships with them.

The policy comes amid tensions between Washington and Beijing and concerns that relationships are being used by spies to access American secrets. US personnel were briefed on case studies involving Chinese intelligence services allegedly sending attractive women to seduce American diplomats.