March
2025
Reporting has uncovered a new U.S. government rule, implemented on January 18 in the last days of the Biden Administration, prohibiting security clearance-holding American government personnel and contractors (as well as their family members) in China from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. This blanket “non-fraternization” policy marks the return of an unusual security measure not seen publicly since the Cold War. While a more limited version of the policy was introduced last summer affecting relationships with Chinese embassy staff, the new expanded ban applies to relations with any Chinese citizen in China, with the only exceptions being pre-existing relationships that receive approved exemptions. The policy covers all U.S. missions in mainland China and Hong Kong but was communicated internally rather than publicly announced, with the State Department declining to comment on the matter.
Summary
This largely unprecedented ban on romantic relationships between U.S. government personnel and Chinese citizens represents a significant escalation in security measures, reflecting deep American concerns about potential espionage and influence operations in an increasingly adversarial bilateral relationship. The timing of the policy’s implementation—just before President Trump took office—suggests continuity in the national security establishment's approach to China despite political transitions. This “Cold War-style” restriction likely signals a fundamental shift in how American officials view interpersonal connections with Chinese nationals—now primarily as potential security risks rather than private matters—marking a further move from the pro-engagement China policy of the 2010s in favor of a more securitized relationship.
Analysis
