U.S. to Reduce Diplomatic Staff in China by Up to 10%

An image captured on June 4, 2012, shows an air quality monitor atop a building near the U.S. national flag outside the Beijing embassy compound. The photograph underscores the presence of U.S. assets as the country prepares to shrink its diplomatic mission in China by close to 10%.

American officials and sources, as reported by the South China Morning Post, indicated that the reduction might impact diplomats stationed in mainland China and Hong Kong, along with local employees. These planned cuts will affect the embassy in Beijing along with consulates located in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong, signaling a significant operational shift.

The decision aligns with directives from the Trump administration, which has encouraged embassies worldwide to get ready for staff cuts as part of a broader initiative to overhaul the U.S. diplomatic workforce. Discussions continue over whether affected personnel might be reassigned within the diplomatic service, although layoffs are largely expected.

The U.S. has long maintained a substantial diplomatic presence in China—with the Beijing embassy complex alone accommodating over 1,300 American and locally employed staff representing nearly 50 federal agencies—which highlights the scale of this restructuring effort.