U.S. to Reduce Diplomatic Presence in China by 10% Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts

The United States plans to reduce its diplomatic mission in China by up to 10%, affecting personnel in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong, according to sources cited by the South China Morning Post. Notices could be issued as early as Friday, marking an unprecedented downsizing of American diplomatic staff in the region.

The reduction may impact both U.S. diplomats and locally hired employees, with layoffs expected. It remains unclear whether affected personnel will be reassigned within the U.S. diplomatic service. The move aligns with broader efforts by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk to cut government spending they deem excessive.

The U.S. State Department has yet to comment, but reports indicate that embassies worldwide have been asked to prepare for staff reductions. The U.S. maintains a significant diplomatic workforce in China, with its Beijing embassy housing over 1,300 American and local staff across six buildings on a 10-acre site.

The decision reflects ongoing efforts to streamline the U.S. diplomatic corps, potentially reshaping its engagement with China. As tensions persist between Washington and Beijing, the move raises questions about future diplomatic relations.