Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Tight Security Presence outside US Consulate in Chengdu, China

VOA News

   There was a tight security presence outside the U.S. consulate in the
   city of Chengdu, China Sunday, as the American staff prepared to leave
   the premises.

   Three moving trucks were seen entering the building compound, while
   uniformed and plainclothes police lined both sides of the street, which
   were lined with metal barriers.

   The editor of China's Global Times tabloid tweeted that the U.S.
   consulate in Chengdu was given 72 hours to close, or until 10 a.m.
   (0200GMT) Monday, July 27.

   China charged that some personnel at the Chengdu consulate were
   "conducting activities not in line with their identities."

   Without giving any details, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
   spokesman, Wang Wenbin said such activity had interfered in China's
   affairs and harmed its security interests.

   China's order to close the consulate in Chengdu was issued Friday in
   retaliation for a U.S. order to close the Chinese consulate in Houston,
   Texas.

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