China’s national flag is seen waving at the China Consulate General in Houston, Texas, U.S., July 22, 2020. REUTERS/Adrees LatifThe United States gave China 72 hours to close its consulate in Houston amid accusations of spying, marking a dramatic deterioration in relations between the world’s two biggest economies. Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the Chinese Embassy in the United States had received “bomb and death threats” because of “smears & hatred” fanned by Washington. China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether it would shut the consulate. He said the United States had interfered with China’s diplomatic missions, including intercepting diplomatic pouches.

Source: Standard Digital July 22, 2020 19:07 UTC