This weekend the United States ordered China to close its consulate in Houston. It’s a move that will certainly impact diplomatic relations between the countries.
But closing a consulate is not the same as closing an embassy. Diplomatic relations can still exist if a
This weekend the United States ordered China to close its consulate in Houston. It’s a move that will certainly impact diplomatic relations between the countries.
But closing a consulate is not the same as closing an embassy. Diplomatic relations can still exist if a consulate closes.
So what’s the difference between the two? What exactly is a consulate?
WHAT WE FOUND
The U.S. Department of State explains that there is only one embassy and one ambassador in the capital of a foreign country, but there can be several consulates in large countries.
“Consulates follow the lead of the Ambassador in engaging local government, civil society and other organization to address Mission priorities. In many instances, consulates, because of their location within a country, may serve as th