US brands China’s actions ‘escalation’

The US has called a decision by Beijing to impose restrictions on all American diplomats on Chinese soil an "escalation," the latest rebuke in an ongoing tit-for-tat dispute over foreign missions.

Relations between the world's top two economies have deteriorated in recent months, with both sides locked in fierce recriminations over trade disputes, human rights and the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday China announced "reciprocal restrictions" against US diplomats, days after Washington announced new restrictions on staff working for Beijing's foreign missions.  Beijing said that the unspecified countermeasures will apply to all US embassy and consulate staff, including the consulate-general in Hong Kong and its personnel.

The dispute over foreign missions flared up in July when US ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston, prompting China to shutter the US presence in Chengdu.

The battle over diplomatic outposts is only one front in an escalating confrontation between the powers. Washington has imposed sanctions on Chinese officials over Uighurs, Hong Kong and moved against China tech giants from doing business in US, prompting similar actions from Beijing.