Thu Apr 03 07:27:37 UTC 2025: ## US Bans Personnel in China from Romantic Relationships with Chinese Citizens

**Washington, D.C. – April 3, 2025** – The U.S. government has implemented a sweeping ban prohibiting its personnel in China, including family members and contractors with security clearances, from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. This policy, enacted in January by then-Ambassador Nicholas Burns before his departure, represents a significant escalation of existing restrictions and marks the most stringent such policy since the Cold War.

While some U.S. agencies previously had regulations concerning such relationships, the new directive establishes a blanket “non-fraternization” policy across all U.S. missions in mainland China and Hong Kong. The only exception allows personnel with pre-existing relationships to apply for exemptions, with denial resulting in relationship termination or reassignment. Violation of the policy will result in immediate removal from China.

Sources familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of the directive, indicate the policy was broadened following Congressional concerns about insufficient restrictions. While the State Department declined to comment, citing internal matters, the policy’s existence has been corroborated by multiple independent sources.

The ban’s implementation is linked to heightened concerns about Chinese intelligence operations, particularly the use of “honeypots” to gain access to sensitive American information. Experts cite historical instances where Chinese agents successfully used romantic relationships to compromise U.S. diplomats. The new policy reflects a belief that these tactics remain a significant threat.

Although the policy’s exact definition of “romantic or sexual relationship” remains unclear, the drastic measure underscores the escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing across trade, technology, and geopolitical competition. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, while declining to comment directly, referred inquiries to the U.S. government. The policy’s details and implementation in other countries remain largely undisclosed.

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