Washington/Beijing, February 19, 2025 – The United States is reportedly preparing to reduce the size of its diplomatic mission in China by as much as 10%, according to the South China Morning Post.
The move, which could affect American diplomats stationed in mainland China and Hong Kong—as well as local employees—is said to be unprecedented, with affected staff expected to receive notice as early as Friday.
The proposed downsizing would impact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing along with consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan, as well as the consulate in Hong Kong. While it remains unclear whether those laid off might be reassigned to other diplomatic posts, the reports indicate that layoffs are a likely outcome.
Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that the leadership of the mission in China had sent a message to embassy staff refuting the SCMP report. Embassy spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the U.S. State Department also declined to comment on the matter.
This potential cut is part of a broader effort under President Donald Trump’s administration to overhaul the U.S. diplomatic corps. Last week, similar staff reductions were reportedly requested at U.S. embassies worldwide as the administration seeks to trim spending deemed wasteful by Trump and his ally, billionaire Elon Musk.
The U.S. diplomatic mission in China is one of the largest in the world, with more than 1,300 American and locally hired staff representing nearly 50 federal agencies operating out of a 10-acre complex in Beijing. Any significant reduction in this workforce could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-China relations and the ability of the embassy to manage its extensive portfolio in the region.
The decision, if implemented, underscores the Trump administration's continuing efforts to streamline U.S. government operations amid ongoing budgetary and strategic challenges.
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The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met on Thursday in Brussels to discuss a trilateral cooperation at strengthening the security of their countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
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Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met on Thursday in Brussels to discuss a trilateral cooperation at strengthening the security of their countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine continue as key diplomatic figures engage in discussions aimed at reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian concerns.
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The European Commission is challenging Italy's use of "golden powers" in the banking sector, raising concerns over potential breaches of EU law and prompting a broader debate on investment screening rules across the bloc.
Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met on Thursday in Brussels to discuss a trilateral cooperation at strengthening the security of their countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine continue as key diplomatic figures engage in discussions aimed at reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Bone fragments believed to date back to the Middle Ages were found in Eyvazkhanbayli village of Aghdam district, according to the local prosecutor’s office.
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