CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Beijing ordered the US embassy to close on Friday in a tit-for-tat move, after Washington instructed China’s consulate in Houston, Texas, to cease operations, claiming it had been involved in a US-wide Chinese espionage effort.

Detailed explanation-2: -Alert: Update from U.S. Mission China Consular Services for December 15, 2022. Due to the operational impacts caused by the surge of COVID-19 infections across China, U.S. Embassy Beijing and U.S. Consulate General Shanghai are providing passport and emergency citizen services only.

Detailed explanation-3: -Last week the foreign ministry said the closure was a “legitimate and necessary response” to the actions taken by the US. Staff at the consulate were “engaged in activities outside of their capacity, interfered in China’s internal affairs, and endangered China’s security and interests", the statement said.

Detailed explanation-4: -Due to the surge of COVID-19 infections across China, U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the country issued an alert on December 15, 2022 suspending visa services and canceling appointments. Thankfully, this disruption was short and most missions resumed their services.

Detailed explanation-5: -Completed in 2008, the main U.S. Embassy compound in Beijing, China, is a secure, state-of-the-art facility located northeast of the Forbidden City in Beijing’s Third Diplomatic Enclave.