American ambassador Terry Branstad defends new rules for Chinese diplomats
- Washington’s envoy says complaints that new regulations violate Vienna convention are ‘outrageous’ and adds that American diplomats face far greater restrictions in China
- US considers bringing in laws to force those working for ‘party-controlled entities’ to register as foreign agents
The US ambassador to China has defended plans that would require Chinese diplomats to report contacts with some Americans, saying that Washington is considering additional rules for employees of entities controlled by the ruling Communist Party.
The change comes as the United States, Australia and some other governments are looking at possible Chinese efforts to spy or gain influence in their countries. It follows years of complaints from American and other diplomats about controls on their ability to move around China and to meet with officials and members of the public.
Ambassador Terry Branstad said the rule is “very modest” and intended to win more access for American diplomats in China’s “closed system.”
He rejected Chinese criticism that the measure violates a global treaty on conditions for diplomats as “very outrageous”.
The rule change comes amid a deteriorating US-Chinese relationship and a tariff war over American complaints about Beijing’s trade surplus and technology ambitions.
Chinese diplomats would be required to report contacts with American educators, researchers and local and state governments under the rule announced Wednesday.
