China to react 'equivalently' to U.S. restriction on its diplomats

Beijing on Friday said that it will react "equivalently" to Washington's recent policy change to its diplomats, who are now required to notify the U.S. State Department before meeting state, local and municipal officials.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson speaks at a regular press conference on October 18, 2019. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

"We urge the United States to immediately correct its wrongdoing and lift restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the U.S. This is the only way out. Diplomacy is about equivalence. We certainly will respond to the U.S.' actions," said Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On Wednesday, Washington announced that Chinese embassies and consulates in the U.S. would need to inform the U.S. State Department before meetings with American officials and for official visits to educational and research institutions. The U.S. State Department deemed the restriction "a response" to how U.S. diplomats are treated in China.

Beijing denied the allegation, opposed the move, and for two days in a row, made "solemn representations" to Washington.

"The move from the U.S. fully indicates their extreme guilt. We can't help but ask, where's the U.S. that is filled with confidence?" Geng said.

Calling the U.S. claims "totally groundless," Geng Thursday urged Washington to withdraw relevant decisions and support and facilitate the Chinese diplomats in conducting official activities in the U.S. instead of deliberately setting obstacles.