The U.S. government has banned embassy and consulate staff in China and Hong Kong from romantic relationships with Chinese citizens due to security concerns. This policy, influenced by congressional lobbying, reflects escalating distrust reminiscent of Cold War tactics. Historical instances of espionage using seduction are highlighted, including recent cases involving Chinese operatives cultivating ties with American politicians. In response, China warns its citizens about foreign intelligence strategies targeting personal connections.
Romantic Relationships as a Security Concern
The U.S. government has implemented a significant policy restricting embassy and consulate employees in China and Hong Kong from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. This directive was validated by four confidential sources speaking to the Associated Press. Employees currently in such relationships may seek an exception; however, if denied, they are compelled to either terminate the relationship or resign from their role. Any violations of this rule result in immediate expulsion from China.
This regulation appears to have originated under former ambassador Nicholas Burns, who resigned in January, and was established shortly before Donald Trump’s second presidential term commenced. Reports suggest that this policy was influenced by lobbying efforts from the U.S. Congress, which has maintained a specialized committee focused on the Communist Party of China since 2023.
The Historical Context of Distrust
A former Swiss diplomat who served in China asserts that while this regulation is not unprecedented, its enforcement has become noticeably stricter. Interestingly, the same level of scrutiny is likely applied to Chinese governmental employees. The diplomat reflects on his experiences, noting that Chinese officials rarely met him alone, always accompanied by a colleague. Such regulations were similarly imposed on Swiss diplomats during the Cold War in communist nations.
The current climate of suspicion between the U.S. and China echoes the tensions of the Cold War. During that era, intelligence agencies employed morally ambiguous tactics, including the infamous “honey trap,” to extract sensitive information. A notable instance involved East Germany’s creation of “Romeo agents,” who were trained to charm influential women in West Germany. These agents, characterized by their charm and sophistication, successfully infiltrated the upper echelons of industry and governance.
Markus Wolf, the head of East German espionage, detailed in his memoirs how these agents recognized the potential of using love and seduction to achieve their objectives quickly. The Soviet Union also engaged in similar practices, training “Moschno girls” to ensnare Western diplomats and businessmen in romantic entanglements for intelligence purposes.
The tactics of seduction and manipulation remain relevant today, as exemplified by the case of Russian agent Maria Butina. She cultivated relationships with conservative politicians and gun rights advocates in the lead-up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, attempting to sway them in favor of the Russian government. Despite her eventual arrest and deportation, Butina has since secured a position in Moscow’s parliament.
The growing apprehension among Americans regarding China is substantiated by the escalating tensions between the two global powers, with some experts warning of a potential new Cold War. Western intelligence agencies have reported that Chinese female operatives frequently exploit personal connections to access sensitive economic information or influence decision-makers. A warning was issued as early as 2008 by the British domestic intelligence service to financial institutions regarding these tactics. Similar incidents have emerged in Australia and the United States.
Recent reports from the American outlet Axios, citing FBI sources, revealed that Christine Fang, a Chinese national, forged relationships with numerous influential Democratic politicians in California from 2011 to 2015, even engaging in romantic relationships with two mayors. She fled the country in 2015 amid an FBI investigation into her activities, highlighting a broader pattern of espionage.
In response to these growing concerns, the Chinese government has intensified its warnings about espionage. The Ministry of State Security has launched campaigns featuring posters and cautionary tales about state employees who fell victim to “exotic beauties,” leading to their compromise by foreign intelligence agencies. Recent advisories on social media have urged citizens to remain vigilant against spies posing as affluent and attractive individuals.