US police said they shot dead a driver whose car crashed into the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on October 9, 2023. Photo: AFP

The incident that a man drove into the lobby of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on Monday is very disturbing. The driver was shot by local police and later died at the hospital. 

During a press conference held by the San Francisco police after the incident, it was not disclosed whether the intruder was carrying any weapons. No information regarding the identity of the driver or the motive behind this act has been provided by the police.

The Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco is located a few blocks away from the "Six Sisters" building, a landmark in the city. The fact that the lobby of the consulate was accessible from the street allowed the driver to breach security, but fortunately, all consulate personnel are reported to be safe.

In a statement, the Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco severely condemned this incident, demanding that the truth be quickly ascertained and dealt with seriously in accordance with the law. Currently, the focus is on identifying the driver and determining whether this was an isolated incident or if there is a broader context.

The Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco has faced multiple incidents in the past. On New Year's Day in 2014, the main entrance of the consulate was attacked with gasoline, and in March 2008, the consulate's main gate was set on fire using flammable liquid. After each of these incidents, the US government promised to enhance security for Chinese consulates, but subsequent events suggest that these promises have not been adequately upheld. It is evident that the situation in US society is chaotic, and it places Chinese consulate staff in a perilous situation akin to "diplomats in a war zone." The failure of the local police to prevent such incidents undoubtedly becomes a stain on US diplomacy. 

The author is a Chinese media professional. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn