The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Wednesday that the United States plans to reduce the size of its diplomatic mission in China by as much as 10%, according to sources familiar with the matter.American diplomats stationed in mainland China and Hong Kong, along with local staff, may receive notifications as soon as Friday regarding this significant downsizing, which the media outlet characterized as unprecedented.This reduction will impact the embassy in Beijing and the consulates located in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong, as noted by the SCMP.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) indicated on Wednesday that the United States intends to decrease the scale of its diplomatic presence in China by approximately 10%, based on information from knowledgeable sources.
Diplomats from the U.S. assigned to mainland China and Hong Kong, along with local personnel, could be informed as early as Friday about this notable reduction, which the publication described as unprecedented. This cutback will affect the embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong, as reported by the SCMP.
It was not clear whether any of those affected would be reassigned elsewhere in the diplomatic service, but layoffs are expected, it added. Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters the leadership of the mission to China had sent out a message to embassy staff “refuting” the report.
The administration of President Donald Trump has instructed U.S. embassies around the globe to prepare for potential staff reductions, as reported by sources to Reuters last week. This initiative is part of the Republican president’s broader strategy to reform the U.S. diplomatic service.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump, along with his billionaire associate Elon Musk, has been actively pursuing cuts to what they deem unnecessary government expenditures.
The United States maintains a significant diplomatic presence in China, with its embassy in Beijing situated on a 10-acre property that includesThe administration of President Donald Trump has instructed U.S. embassies around the globe to prepare for potential staff reductions, as reported by sources to Reuters last week. This initiative is part of the Republican president’s broader strategy to reform the U.S. diplomatic service.Since taking office on January 20, Trump, along with his billionaire associate Elon Musk, has been actively pursuing cuts to what they deem unnecessary government expenditures.The United States maintains a significant diplomatic presence in China, with its embassy in Beijing situated on a 10-acre property that includes six buildings, one of which was completed in 2016.As stated on the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China, the embassy complex in Beijing accommodates over 1,300 American and locally employed personnel from nearly 50 different U.S. federal agencies.
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As stated on the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China, the embassy complex in Beijing accommodates over 1,300 American and locally employed personnel from nearly 50 different U.S. federal agencies.