Persona Non Grata: US DEPt. of State Employees

       So, the State Dept. is ordered to shutter the Consulate in Chengdu.   On short notice, all official business was ordered halted in mid-July.   The PLA guards were ordered to restrict all attempts at entry into the facility.  Those interested in a visa application or other business were directed to other locations.  The Consul General then began supervise the transfer out of all the American staff and all Chinese employees were discharged of their duties.  All American personnel resided off campus in the nearby neighborhood of Chengdu( near the handball court/stadium).
       Additionally, ALL American personnel assigned to the consulate were declared "PERSONA NON GRATA".   This is a special term that has international legal meaning.   Those so declared can no longer stay in the host country and must leave within a specified time period, usually 30 days.  So, these personnel, many of whom have families in China, and also may have studied the language for a year or more before posting, must leave for the US.   They cannot be shifted to other offices in the country but must leave the national boundaries of China.
      Needless to say , the US State Dept. will incur significant costs related to all the personnel moves.  The CG was slated to return to Washington for another position, but many others were in the middle of 2-3 year assignments and will now be forced to change all plans, with family and with the service.
      More fallout related to China's aggressive posture relative to international relations.

At the dam Chungqing

Wuhan Airport terminal

airport poster