Malicious slander behind US' order to close Houston consulate: China

China said "malicious slander" is behind an order by the US government to close its consulate in Houston, Texas, and maintained on Thursday that its officials have never operated outside ordinary diplomatic norms.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the order to close the consulate violates international law and basic norms governing international relations, and seriously undermines China-US relations.

This is breaking down the bridge of friendship between the Chinese and American people, Wang told reporters at a daily briefing.

The order this week to close the consulate, one of China's six missions in the United States, is seen as