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BEIJING, July 23-- China said on Thursday the U.S. request to close the Chinese Consulate General in Houston will cause serious damage to bilateral relations, calling the move "taking down the bridge of friendship between Chinese and U.S. people." The consulate general in Houston was the first one set up by China in the United States after the establishment of diplomatic ties. High-ranking U.S. officials claimed Wednesday that the move was to "protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information." In response, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Chinese diplomatic missions in the United States, including the consulate general in Houston, have been committed to promoting friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, and have always adhered to international and local laws in performing their duties. Over the past four decades and more, the consulate general has done a great deal in promoting mutual understanding among various communities and cooperation in various sectors between the two countries, Wang told a daily press briefing. "The U.S. claim of the consulate general's engagement in activities not in line with its duties is purely malicious slander," said the spokesperson. Wang rebuked the U.S. move as a serious breach of international law and basic norms governing international relations as well as bilateral consular agreement. It is causing serious damage to bilateral ties, Wang said, calling it "taking down the bridge of friendship between Chinese and U.S. people." | 
