Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai delivers a speech in Washington D.C., the United States, Nov. 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

The embassy of China in the US said it firmly opposes the US decision to impose more restrictions and obstacles on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel in the country on the grounds of so-called reciprocity in US-China diplomatic ties.

The US action is a gross violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, said the embassy, noting that China is firmly opposed to the US actions, which also run contrary to the US' self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom.

On Wednesday (local time), the US Department of State announced that it will now require senior Chinese diplomats to receive approval to visit US university campuses and to meet with local government officials. Cultural events with an audience of more than 50 people hosted by the Chinese embassy and consular posts outside mission properties will also require Department of State approval.

China has always supported diplomatic and consular personnel from the US and other countries in carrying out official activities in China in accordance with law. We urge the US to correct its mistakes, revoke the relevant decisions, and provide support and facilitation for Chinese diplomats in the US to carry out the relevant activities, said the embassy. 

We urge US Department of State to reverse its erroneous decision, stop obstructing normal personnel exchanges and undermining China-US ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Thursday's press briefing in response to US latest restrictions on Chinese diplomats, saying China will make necessary response in light of situation.

China always provides convenience for normal activities of US diplomatic missions in China in accordance with laws, while US seriously violates intl law and norms. US anti-China forces have lost rationality and confidence and will be strongly opposed and condemned, Hua said.

Amid the escalating tension between China and the US, Hua Chunying said on Tuesday that China hopes the US will behave as a great power and fulfill its due responsibilities. 

"If the US fails to play a more active role in promoting world peace and stability, at least try to not make things worse," Hua said.