BEIJING: China on Friday said it had taken “reciprocal” measures against USdiplomats in the country, saying they will have to notify the foreignministry before meeting with local officials.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had notified the USembassy of the new measures on Wednesday, which she said were a”countermeasure” to Washington’s decision in October to restrict Chinesediplomats.

“We once again urge the US side to correct its mistakes and revoke therelevant rules,” she told reporters at a press briefing.

In October, the US ordered Chinese diplomats to notify the State Departmentin advance of any official meetings with US diplomats, local or municipalofficials, and before any visits to colleges or research institutions.

Washington called the move “reciprocal”, with a senior State Departmentofficial citing the inability of US diplomats to meet with a range ofChinese officials and academics.

On Friday, Hua said that US diplomats would have to notify the foreignministry five working days in advance, and that China would respond”according to the US’s practice.”

The US Embassy in Beijing declined to comment. – APP / AFP