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China has said that the United States has ordered it to close its consulate in Houston and called it a provocation that violates international law. There was no immediate confirmation or explanation from the US side. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Wednesday that the U.S. had abruptly demanded the previous day that the consulate cease all operations.

He said that China strongly condemns �such an outrageous and unjustified move that will sabotage China-U.S. relations.�

Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin condemned the action, which comes as tensions rise between the world's two largest economies. He warned of firm countermeasures if the U.S. does not reverse its decision.

�The unilateral closure of China�s consulate general in Houston within a short period of time is an unprecedented escalation of its recent actions against China,� Wang said at a daily news briefing.

There was no immediate confirmation or explanation from the U.S. side. Media reports in Houston said that authorities had responded to reports of a fire at the consulate. Witnesses said that people were burning paper in what appeared to be trash cans, the Houston Chronicle reported, citing police.