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homebiscuit · 07-22-2020, 06:57 AM

The only reason given so far is for protection of American intellectual property. This should get interesting since the Chinese have already vowed retaliatory action.

https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/...98d0f4065c

HOUSTON — China says the United States government this week ordered it to abruptly close its Houston consulate in what it called a "provocation" that violates international law.
"We have directed the closure of PRC Consulate General Houston, in order to protect American intellectual property and American’s private information," stated State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus early Wednesday.

The New York Times reported that the Chinese government issued a warning that it would retaliate for the closure.
A source told KHOU 11 the consulate is being evicted by 4 p.m. Friday. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the U.S. had demanded Tuesday the consulate cease operations. He said that China strongly condemns “such an outrageous and unjustified move that will sabotage China-US relations.”
But the State Department said consulates must respect American laws and not interfere in internal affairs:
"The Vienna Convention states diplomats must 'respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State' and 'have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State.' The United States will not tolerate the PRC’s violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC’s unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behavior. President Trump insists on fairness and reciprocity in U.S.-China relations," stated Ortagus on Wednesday.