China said Friday it has implemented measures to limit the activities of diplomats and staff at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and consulates around the country, including one in Hong Kong.
The move is in retaliation for a recent U.S. decision to order senior Chinese diplomats to require approval to visit university campuses and meet with local government officials.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement that Beijing would impose the "equivalent restrictions" on U.S. Embassy and consulate officials.
The United States should "correct its wrong action," Zhao said, calling for a withdrawal of its decision.
Citing the acronym of the People's Republic of China, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Sept. 2, "These new requirements on PRC diplomats are a direct response to the excessive restraints already placed on our diplomats by the PRC."
The development came amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing on matters ranging from economic to security issues, such as the Chinese military buildup in the disputed South China Sea and U.S. support for Taiwan.
Related coverage:
U.S. to partner with ASEAN in post-pandemic economic recovery: Pompeo
U.S., China trade barbs over S. China Sea, Hong Kong
