U.S. Government Bans Romantic Relationships Between Staff and Chinese Citizens at Missions in China

In a significant policy shift, the United States government has prohibited American government employees, contractors with security clearance, and their family members in China from having any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese nationals. The Associated Press (AP) revealed the development, citing four sources familiar with the matter.

Policy Initiated by Ambassador Nicholas Burns

The directive was reportedly enforced in January 2025, shortly before U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns departed his post. While some U.S. government agencies have long maintained internal policies restricting such relationships, this is the first formal and comprehensive ban for American personnel posted in China.

Expanded Ban Across All U.S. Missions in China

Initially introduced in a limited format during the summer of 2024, the policy barred relationships between U.S. staff and Chinese support workers such as guards and consulate employees. It has since been expanded to cover all American government personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong.

The policy applies only to staff stationed within China and does not impact those deployed in other countries.

National Security Considerations

Though officials declined to publicly comment, the move is believed to stem from national security concerns. Close personal relationships with foreign nationals in sensitive regions can pose security risks, particularly in countries where surveillance and intelligence gathering are tightly integrated into daily governance.

Global Contrast in Diplomatic Norms

While such restrictions are not uncommon in high-risk areas, they mark a stark contrast to norms elsewhere. In many countries, it is not unusual for diplomats to date or even marry locals.

The implementation of this policy signals growing U.S. caution amid rising geopolitical tensions with China. It also underscores how diplomatic life is evolving in one of the most closely watched foreign policy arenas today.