US gov't personnel in China banned from romantic relations with Chinese

The US government has banned American government personnel in China, as well as family members and contractors security clearances, from any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, The Associated Press has learned.

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Four people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP about the policy, which was put into effect using US Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January shortly before he left to attend to other matters. The people would speak only on condition of anonymity to discuss a confidential new directive.

Though some US agencies already had strict rules on such relationships, a blanket “non-fraternization” policy, as it is known, is unheard of publicly since the Cold War. It’s not uncommon for American diplomats in other countries to date locals and even marry them.