US accused of closing Chengdu consulate without paying local staff; China stooge outraged

China on Monday said it took control of US consulate in Chengdu after it was formally closed as per Beijing's directive in retaliation to America's move to shut down Chinese diplomatic mission in Houston. At 10 am July 27, as required by Chinese side, US Consulate General in Chengdu was closed, a press release by Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

'Don't just speak nicely'

Editor of Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece Global Times Hu Xijin said that United States' closure of Chengdu consulate and personnel withdrawal completely complied with requirement of Chinese side ding that Beijing also took over premises in a "civilized way". He hoped this kind of observance of rule can be expanded to broer China-US relations.

In ar tweet, Chinese stooge slammed America and alleged that consulate "didn't pay eugh compensation to local staff who are dismissed, triggering dissatisfaction." He said that even though US after consulate published a video "We'll miss you forever," its goodwill needs to be matched with actions. "Don’t just speak nicely," Xijin said.

Last week, US government ordered closure of China's consulate in Houston, Texas, claiming mission h been involved in a larger Chinese espion effort using diplomatic facilities around US.

US-China relations hit an all-time low

US State Department in a statement on Monday expressed disappointment over closure, saying consulate has stood at centre of our relations with people in Western China, including Tibet, for 35 years. We are disappointed by Chinese Communist Party's decision and will strive to continue our outreach to people in this important region through our or posts in China, statement said.

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Tensions have been rising between US and China for some time. President Donald Trump's ministration has clashed repeatedly with Beijing over tre and Coronavirus pandemic, as well as China's imposition of a controversial new security law on Hong Kong. Washington has been critical of Beijing's crackdown on its Uygur Muslims in restive Xinjiang province.

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(With PTI inputs)