US officials captured China’s consulate located in the city of Houston. The Trump administration gave China a 72-hour extension to vacate the embassy. After the completion of this period, the officer entered the embassy premises on Friday and closed it.
Protesters shout with Chinese Embassy officials
The embassy opened four decades ago. During the evacuation of the premises, there was also a brawl between Chinese officials and protesters.
US officials seize the building after 72 hours of its completion
According to media reports, after completing the 72-hour period on Friday, US officials entered the Chinese embassy complex and took possession of the five-story building. Earlier, the embassy staff was seen evacuating the premises. Around 100 anti-China protesters were also present outside the embassy and shouting slogans like ‘Go back to China’. Some media reports also reported that US State Department officials were seen forcibly entering the embassy compound through a door.
Trump administration accused of espionage
The Trump administration last Tuesday gave 72 hours to China to vacate the consulate. Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo had alleged that the embassy had become a base for espionage and intellectual property theft. Several other top US officials also alleged that the Houston Consulate was involved in Beijing’s espionage campaign.
China also took action in return
China has also acted in retaliation due to the American move. It has also ordered the closure of the American consulate in Chegandu city. China argued behind its move that the US was meddling in its internal affairs and damaging its national interests.
