US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

In a briefing with reporters on Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the restrictions, accusing the People’s Republic of China of pressuring US diplomats in the country by subjecting them to a system of opaque approval processes

For years, the Chinese Communist Party has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working inside the PRC, said the former CIA chief.

He further suggested that the move would make the diplomats’ access equal in both countries.

We’re simply demanding reciprocity. Access for our diplomats in China should be reflective of the access that Chinese diplomats in the United States have and today’s steps will move us substantially in that direction, said the top US diplomat.

Senior Chinese diplomats will be required to attain an approval from the State Department to visit American university campuses and meet with local government officials.

Chinese cultural events with more than 50 attendees outside the embassy or consular posts will also need approval.

Under US President Donald Trump, diplomatic ties between Washington and Beijing have reached their lowest point.

SOURCE: PRESS TV