The United States government has enacted a controversial new policy barring its employees and personnel in China from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. The policy, which was finalized before former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns left his post, aims to protect U.S. personnel and prevent potential security risks arising from personal relationships with foreign nationals.
The policy, initially tested in the summer of 2024, prohibited U.S. government employees stationed in China from having romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens who worked as support staff or guards at the five U.S. consulates and the U.S. embassy. This early version of the policy focused on certain categories of Chinese nationals directly associated with the embassy’s operations. However, just days before former U.S. President Donald Trump took office, Ambassador Burns expanded the policy to apply to all Chinese citizens, without exception.
The final version of the policy, which was officially communicated to American personnel stationed in China in January 2025, remains under wraps and has not been publicly announced by the U.S. government. Despite this, several sources with knowledge of the policy’s implementation confirmed the details to the Associated Press. The decision comes after increasing concerns voiced by members of the U.S. Congress, who feared that the absence of such a policy posed potential security and diplomatic risks.
The new policy was introduced following multiple concerns raised by lawmakers. Members of Congress reportedly reached out to Nicholas Burns, expressing worries about the lack of formal regulations restricting romantic or sexual relationships between U.S. government employees and Chinese citizens. The lawmakers argued that such relationships could potentially lead to blackmail, espionage, or other security threats.
In a statement to the Associated Press, two sources with direct knowledge of the policy said that these concerns played a key role in shaping the decision to implement the restrictions. The lawmakers’ worries were grounded in the belief that personal relationships could expose U.S. personnel to potential manipulation or undue influence by the Chinese government.
As part of the policy’s enforcement, U.S. employees who violate the ban will be required to leave China, a significant consequence for those who fail to adhere to the new rules.
The move by the United States comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, with both countries involved in a long-standing geopolitical rivalry. China, like many countries, enforces similar regulations for its diplomats and personnel stationed abroad. Chinese law prohibits its government officials and staff from engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with foreign nationals while working in overseas missions. This reciprocal approach underscores the global concerns over security and national interests, with both nations seeking to safeguard sensitive information and prevent foreign interference.
While the Chinese government’s stance on this issue has been in place for years, the United States’ new policy represents a significant shift in diplomatic norms, particularly in its strictness. However, it is important to note that this policy only affects U.S. personnel in China. American government employees stationed outside of China are not subject to these new restrictions.
The reasons for the U.S. government’s decision to impose such a sweeping policy are multifaceted. The most obvious rationale is security. Given the complex relationship between the U.S. and China, including ongoing trade disputes, espionage concerns, and military competition, U.S. officials are increasingly wary of potential vulnerabilities that could arise from personal connections. These relationships, particularly in the realm of espionage and influence, have been a source of concern for both the U.S. and Chinese governments for decades.
Moreover, personal relationships between U.S. personnel and Chinese citizens could offer an avenue for foreign governments to exert influence over American diplomats or intelligence agents. In the case of China, which has been accused of using various means to gather intelligence on foreign powers, U.S. officials may have concluded that such relationships could pose significant security risks.
Additionally, the policy may reflect broader concerns about the security of American citizens working in politically sensitive environments. The U.S. government has been keen to safeguard its personnel against any potential external pressures, especially in China, where political sensitivities are particularly high.
The new policy has generated mixed reactions among U.S. personnel stationed in China. Some diplomats and government employees have expressed frustration with the restrictions, viewing them as an overreach that limits personal freedoms. Others, however, have acknowledged the necessity of such measures given the high-stakes nature of international diplomacy.
The diplomatic community, particularly those working in China, is known for the close relationships that often develop between foreign nationals and local citizens. The new policy effectively disrupts this dynamic, creating a potential divide between American personnel and the Chinese population. For many, this may feel like an unnecessary restriction on their personal lives, one that could complicate their ability to engage meaningfully with local communities and understand Chinese culture.
However, many agree that in light of the heightened security risks associated with China, the policy could be a necessary step in safeguarding U.S. interests and ensuring the safety of American diplomats.
This move by the U.S. government could have a ripple effect on global diplomatic practices, particularly in countries with strained relations between the U.S. and foreign governments. Other nations may take note of this policy and consider implementing similar restrictions for their own personnel working in sensitive diplomatic environments.
The policy also signals a shift in how the U.S. is approaching its relationship with China and potentially other rival nations. By restricting personal relationships, the U.S. government is signaling that it sees China not only as a diplomatic and economic rival but also as a potential security threat. This is particularly true in the context of ongoing debates over Chinese influence in global affairs and its growing technological power.
As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to evolve, it is likely that further diplomatic measures will be taken to address concerns about national security and foreign influence. While this new policy may appear as a drastic measure, it reflects a growing understanding of the importance of controlling potential risks in the world of international diplomacy.
