The U.S. reinstates the Cold War era’s “no love crush” policy in diplomatic missions.

American government personnel in China, along with their families, and security-cleared contractors, are now strictly prohibited from engaging in any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.

The directive, which took effect in January just before Ambassador Nicholas Burns bid China farewell, is the latest installment in the U.S.-China relations – designed apparently to boost national security.

For those currently smitten with a Chinese partner, there’s an exemption process. However, if the U.S. government decides that your love story doesn’t make the cut, you have two choices: break up or pack up. Violators will be reportedly swiftly shown the exit.

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This isn’t the first time Uncle Sam has put restrictions on international romances.

Back in 1987, a U.S. marine in Moscow learned the hard way that Soviet spies were good at organizing candlelit dinners. Rules relaxed ever since but now, with China in Washington’s crosshairs, the romance restrictions are back.

The policy has yet to be publicly announced, though the Department of State and other agencies keep quiet or punt questions elsewhere. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry has tactfully redirected all inquiries back to the U.S. government.

The measure makes little sense from a security standpoint, as it assumes espionage is a uniquely Chinese phenomenon and does not prevent dating with possible spies from other countries. Nothing in the policy prevents personnel from cozying up to potential spies of other nationalities.

An individual’s race doesn’t necessarily reveal his or her nationality – unless you ask for an ID.

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