The United States has ordered China to close its Houston consulate. The US State Department says it is a necessary measure to protect American intellectual property.The statements came after unidentified individuals were filmed burning paper in bins in the building’s courtyard.
Tensions have been rising between the US and China for some time. President Donald Trump’s administration has clashed repeatedly with Beijing over trade and the coronavirus pandemic, as well as China’s imposition of a controversial new security law on Hong Kong.
But China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said it was outrageous and unjustified.
“China urges the US to immediately withdraw its wrong decision or China will definitely take a proper and necessary response,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.
“Such an outrageous and unjustified move that will sabotage China-US relations,” Wang stated.