Irate China 'getting bomb threats'; will take 'firm countermeasures' as US shuts consulate

In wake of a faceoff between Beijing and Washington over Trump administration's decision to shut Chinese Consulate General in Houston,  Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese diplomatic missions in America on Wednesday reminded Chinese students studying in country to raise ir safety awareness over possibility of US authorities wantonly examining, harassing, confiscating private belongings and detaining m.

'Seek assistance from Chinese diplomatic missions'

According to a report in CCP's mouthpiece Global Times, a statement from Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "In an emergency situation, Chinese students should seek assistance from Chinese diplomatic missions."

In a separate statement released on Thursday, Chinese Embassy in US said that America's demand asking it to 'abruptly close its Consulate General in Houston within 72 hours' is a "political provocation" unilaterally launched by US side, which has seriously violated international law, basic rms governing international relations and bilateral consular agreements between two countries.

"China strongly condemns and firmly opposes such an outrous and unjustified move, which sabots China-US relations. China will have to respond with legitimate and necessary actions," Chinese Embassy said.

Meanwhile, Trump said that his administration does t rule out closing additional Chinese diplomatic missions in country. America's decision came hours after Houston police and firefighters descended on  Houston consulate following witness reports that papers were being burned outside in open containers, Houston Chronicle and two local TV stations reported, citing local police.

READ | Chinese envoy on closure of Houston consulate: ‘Impolite t to make a return’

'I wonder what that is all about'

"As far as closing additional embassies, it's always possible. We thought re was a fire in one we did close, I guess y were burning documents and papers. I wonder what that is all about," Trump said during a daily press briefing at White House when asked if he planned to close more Chinese diplomatic missions in country.

READ | US gives China 72 hours to shut Houston Consulate General; accounts claim docs being burnt

'China would take necessary countermeasures'

Reacting strongly to US move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin termed it as an "unprecedented escalation and warned retaliatory measures. "China demands US revoke wrong decision. If US went ahead, China would take necessary countermeasures, he warned. Wang also said Chinese embassy and consulates in US had received both explosives and death threats recently.

READ | China says US ordered to shut Houston consulate, warns of ‘necessary’ measures

READ | Donald Trump hints at closing more Chinese embassies after US shuts down Houston consulate

(With ncy inputs)