US State Department to Resume Operations at Wuhan Consulate on 22nd

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, which was temporarily closed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), will reopen after more than four months.

According to foreign media on the 10th, the U.S. Embassy stated, "The U.S. Department of State plans to resume consulate operations in Wuhan soon," adding, "We have completed the related report to the U.S. Congress." The reopening date is around the 22nd of this month.

The U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan announced its temporary closure on January 24 through its official Weibo account after COVID-19 rapidly spread in Wuhan and the city was locked down earlier that month.

Subsequently, from January 29, the U.S. evacuated diplomats dispatched by charter flights as well as American citizens and their families residing in Wuhan. The U.S. Department of State emphasized to Congress that "it is important to have our diplomatic staff in China during this critical period between the U.S. and China."

The resumption of operations at the Wuhan consulate this week is drawing attention amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. The two sides have been engaged in intense blame over the origin of COVID-19 and responses to the public health crisis, following trade disputes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.