The allegation of the United States on the Chinese Consulate-General in Houston is "malicious slandering," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson from the ministry, made the remarks after American officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said Washington's demand for the closure of the Consulate-General was to "protect Americans' intellectual property and private information.
The Chinese embassy and consulates in the U.S., including the Consulate-General in Houston, are committed to promoting friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries, Wang said.
When performing their duties in the U.S., the embassy and consulates always abide by international and local laws, he stressed.
The U.S.' request is a serious violation of international law and the basic principles of international relations, Wang told reporters.
It not only violates the relevant provisions of the Sino-U.S. treaty but also seriously undermines bilateral relations. The move is breaking down the bridge of friendship between the Chinese and the American peoples, Wang said.
The Chinese Consulate-General in Houston, the first Chinese consulate established in the U.S., handles issuing visas, aiding in trade relationships and taking care of migrants or tourists.
As Texas is still seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Chinese Consulate-General in Houston has offered support to overseas students and made donations to help the local community fight against the disease.
However, the U.S. abruptly asked China to close its Consulate General in Houston in 72 hours starting July 21, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
The Chinese embassy and consulates in the U.S. have already received bomb and death threats, according to the ministry.
