Tit for tat: US and China order shut down of each other's consulates over 'political provocation'
US consulate in Chengdu
The staff at the US consulate in Chengdu, southwestern China's Sichuan province were busy packing belongings and removing the American insignia from the building.
'Make it quick'
Staff members were asked to collect all their belongings and vacate their offices permanently after the order of closure of the US consulate was announced.
Consulates in Houston, Chengdu being readied for closure as US, China clash
The US President Donald Trump ordered closure of Chinese consulate in Houston accusing the consulate to be a spying hub.
China retaliated by ordering closure of the US consulate in Chengdu, China.
Both the consulates were immediately vacated on Saturday.
Read full story: Consulates in Houston, Chengdu being readied for closure as US, China clash
Chinese consulate in Houston
A Chinese consulate in Houston, US was ordered to be shut down by the Trump administration few days ago. The local police and federal agents barricaded the area after the decision was announced.
Break through
Law enforcement officers forcefully pulled open a back door at the Chinese consulate in Houston after the closure was announced.
Loading it out
Trucks were brought in to transfer the equipment, files, documents and other things out of the consulate. EMployees were asked to vacate the premises on an urgent basis.
Protests
Protestors were spotted in both the countries. While the Chinese police showed up in plain clothes, the US police allowed the protestors to carry out a silent demonstration at the roadside.
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