US Likely to Notify 10% Reduction of Diplomatic Staff in China and Hong Kong as Early as Tomorrow

Hong Kong SCMP Cites Sources
First Since Establishment of US-China Diplomatic Relations in 1979
Concerns Over Intensified Unilateral Diplomacy

The United States is expected to internally notify plans to reduce diplomatic personnel in China and Hong Kong by up to 10% as early as the 21st, according to the Hong Kong daily South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 20th (local time). This is interpreted as an intention to weed out diplomatic staff who do not follow President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter told SCMP, "The U.S. plans to reduce the size of its diplomatic missions in China by up to 10%," adding, "This will affect not only China, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, but also the consulate in Hong Kong."

If included among those to be cut, reassignment such as department transfers may occur, but it is widely expected that dismissal is highly likely. The source said that a large-scale reduction of U.S. diplomatic personnel in China is "probably the first since the establishment of official diplomatic relations with China in 1979." Such a reduction in diplomatic staff means fewer communication channels, raising concerns that U.S. unilateral diplomacy may intensify as a result.

The U.S. has made significant investments in diplomatic personnel. According to the 'Global Diplomacy Index Report' published by the Australian private think tank Lowy Institute, the number of U.S. overseas missions was 271 as of 2023, ranking second worldwide. China ranked first with 274. The number of U.S. diplomatic missions has not reversed this trend for four years since being overtaken by China in 2019.

Speculation that the U.S. would reduce diplomatic personnel, including at overseas embassies, first emerged in mid-month. U.S. ABC News reported on the 12th that President Trump is pushing for a large-scale reduction of federal government personnel and is preparing to cut staff at overseas embassies as well. Reuters reported on the 13th that "some embassies have been asked to consider reducing both U.S. staff and locally employed staff by 10% each," and "by the 14th, they are to send personnel lists to the State Department to decide on further measures."

Earlier, President Trump issued an executive order last week to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reorganize the diplomatic service to ensure the "faithful and effective implementation" of the foreign policy agenda. The executive order included provisions that failure to implement the presidential agenda could be grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal. This is interpreted as a directive to conduct diplomatic activities based on Trump's emphasized 'America First' policy. Reuters reported, "The executive order specifies that failure to implement the president's agenda constitutes grounds for professional discipline, which could lead to personnel dismissal."