5 Chinese State Media Outlets In U.S. Told To Reduce Nationals On Staffs

In a move reminiscent of the Cold War, five Chinese state media entities were informed by the U.S. State Department Monday that they will have to reduce the number of their nationals working in the U.S.

Characterized by the State Department as a "personnel cap," the restriction stipulates that no more than 100 citizens of the Peoples' Republic of China will be able to work in the U.S. for the five state media outlets, effective March 13. A senior State Department official says about 160 Chinese nationals are currently employed by the five entities.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made clear in a statement that the newly imposed quota for Chinese state media employees in the U.S. is in response to Beijing's "misguided" restrictions on foreign journalists working in China.