Chinese diplomats would also need permission to visit American universities.
The United States on Wednesday imposed new restrictions on China, barring its officials from visiting American universities or meeting local government officials without approval from the State Department, The Guardian reported. The State Department said the decision was in response to restrictions imposed on American officials in China. The move was also a part of the US administration’s campaign against alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage activity in the country, Reuters reported. “We’re simply demanding reciprocity,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at a news briefing. “Access for our diplomats in China should be reflective of the access that Chinese diplomats in the United States have, and today’s steps will move us substantially in that direction,” he said. Further, Chinese diplomats will need to seek the US government’s approval for holding cultural events outside their consulates or embassy with more than 50 people.
