Ministry says reciprocal measures taken against US

China has implemented reciprocal restrictions on activities of the United States embassy and consulates in China, including its general consulate in Hong Kong and affiliated personnel, according to a Foreign Ministry statement published on its website on Friday.

This is intended to urge Washington to revoke its previous wrongdoings at an early date, the statement said.

The US State Department announced on Sept 2 that senior Chinese diplomats will now need to seek its approval to visit US universities and to meet with local government officials, escalating a move from last October that required Chinese officials to notify the department of plans for such meetings.

In addition, Chinese diplomats will have to get permission to host cultural events of more than 50 people outside their diplomatic missions.

"China's measures are justified and necessary reactions," the statement said, adding that China recently issued a diplomatic note to the US.

As China has repeatedly stated, relevant restrictions taken by the US side seriously violate international laws and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously interfere with China-US relations and normal bilateral exchanges, the statement said.

However, China will continue to support normal exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples and the Chinese embassy and consulates in the US will maintain normal exchanges with all circles in the US, according to the statement.

"We once again urge the US side to immediately correct its mistake, revoke its irrational restrictions on the Chinese embassy and consulates in the US as well as their personnel," the statement said, adding that China will make equivalent responses according to any acts by the US.

In June, the US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, Texas, which prompted Beijing to force the closure of the US consulate in Chengdu, Sichuan province.