US may close nearly 30 embassies and consulates abroad

The U.S. Department of State is considering the closure of nearly 30 diplomatic missions abroad, The New York Times writes, citing an internal document from the agency.

Most of the diplomatic missions slated for closure are located in Europe and Africa. These include embassies in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Eritrea, Gambia, the Maldives, and Grenada. Embassies in these countries may be shut down. The document also suggests fully closing or significantly reducing the embassy in Somalia and the diplomatic support center in Baghdad.

Most of the consulates proposed for closure are located in Europe, with five in France (Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, Strasbourg), two in Germany (Düsseldorf, Leipzig), and two in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar and Banja Luka). One consulate each may be closed in Greece, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Cameroon, Indonesia, South Africa, and the Republic of Korea.

The publication notes that if these plans are implemented, the U.S. would cede its top position in Europe, Africa, and East Asia in terms of the number of diplomatic missions to China. The proposed cuts have raised new concerns that the United States may relinquish vital diplomatic space to China, including regions where Washington currently has a greater presence than Beijing, potentially jeopardizing U.S. national security, including intelligence gathering.

American media had reported in March about planned reductions in overseas missions and staff, but at that time, only about ten consulates were mentioned for closure.