US State Dept spokesperson Ortagus makes......>

CHINA: US State Dept spokesperson Ortagus makes following statement confirming

the order to close the Chinese consulate in Houston. As reported by Wash Post's

John Hudson on Twitter: 

- "We have directed the closure of PRC Consulate General Houston, in order to

protect American intellectual property and American's private information." The

US "will not tolerate the PRC's violations of our sovereignty and intimidation

of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices,

theft of American jobs, and other egregious behavior." "President Trump insists

on fairness and reciprocity in U.S.-China relations."

- "The Vienna Convention states diplomats must "respect the laws and regulations

of the receiving State" and "have a duty not to interfere in the internal

affairs of that State."