China accuses US of improperly entering Houston consulate

China’s foreign ministry complained Saturday that American law enforcement officials improperly entered its consulate in Houston, which was ordered to close in an escalating diplomatic feud. ministry gave details, but U.S. federal nts checked consulate's doors and a locksmith was seen working on a lock Friday after Chinese diplomats left ahe of a 4 p.m. deline to close.

U.S.-Chinese relations have plunged to ir lowest level in deces amid conflicts over tre, techlogy, Hong Kong, spying accusations and complaints of abuses against Chinese Muslims. Trump ministration ordered Houston consulate closed this week, saying Chinese nts tried to steal medical and or research in Texas. Beijing responded by ordering Washington to close its consulate in southwest Chinese city of Chengdu.

“As for U.S. side’s forcible entry into premises of Chinese Consulate General in Houston, China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition,” said a foreign ministry statement. “China will make a proper and necessary response to this.”

statement said that Houston consulate was Chinese property, and that under diplomatic treaties American officials h right to enter.In Chengdu, spectators snapped photos outside U.S. Consulate on Saturday as police in T-shirts and surgical masks stood on sidewalk and closed-off street in front of walled compound.

A bus drove into compound, but spectators saw few or signs of action.On Friday, a man was detained by police after he set off firecrackers outside consulate at about 7 p.m., Chengdu police said on ir social media account. It said man was given a warning.

(Im Credit: AP)