大象传媒

The US has ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, Texas, by Friday, in a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two superpowers.

Beijing described the move as a "political provocation". This comes a day after the US accused China of sponsoring hackers who had been targeting science labs developing Covid-19 vaccines.

Two Chinese nationals, who allegedly spied on US research companies and got help from supposed state agents for other thefts, have been charged.

Nicholas Eftimiades - a retired Senior US Intelligence Officer and author of the book "Chinese Intelligence Operations" explains what this means for the country's relations.

(Photo: People attempt to talk to someone at the Chinese consulate in Houston. Credit: Getty Images)