The US State Department fired a Foreign Service officer on Wednesday, October 8, for not disclosing a romantic relationship with a Chinese national who had connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed the action and said that the officer admitted to hiding the relationship.

According to Pigott, “The State Department has officially terminated the employment of a Foreign Service officer who admitted concealing a romantic relationship with a Chinese national with known ties to the Chinese Communist Party.” While there is no concrete evidence that the officer’s partner was involved in espionage, he expressed concerns in a video, suggesting that she could be a spy. He also mentioned that her father had direct ties to the CCP.

This firing is significant because it is the first case of an employee being terminated under a Trump-era executive order, which requires all government personnel to follow and uphold the president’s policies. Pigott emphasised that the department has a zero-tolerance policy for any actions that could threaten national security.

Earlier this year, the US imposed strict restrictions on American diplomats in China, forbidding them from engaging in romantic relationships with local nationals. This move is rare and is reminiscent of Cold War-era security measures. 

The policy was introduced in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration. It prohibits all American government personnel stationed in China, including their family members and security-cleared contractors, from having any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.

The restriction, implemented quietly in January by then-US Ambassador Nicholas Burns, is referred to as a “non-fraternisation” rule. It essentially bans personal romantic ties between American diplomats and Chinese nationals, aiming to prevent potential security risks.

This action highlights the US government’s continued focus on safeguarding national security and preventing foreign influence within its diplomatic corps. It also shows the seriousness with which the State Department treats undisclosed relationships with individuals connected to foreign governments, particularly in sensitive postings like China.