US Plans to Close Select Diplomatic Missions in Japan, Canada, Indonesia

The US State Department is reportedly planning to close five diplomatic missions abroad, including facilities in Japan (Nagoya), Canada (Winnipeg), and Indonesia (Medan). The plan, revealed by anonymous sources, also includes missions in St. George's, Grenada, and Douala, Cameroon. The facilities slated for closure comprise the embassy in St. George's, Grenada, and consulates in Medan, Indonesia, Winnipeg, Canada, and Nagoya, Japan. Additionally, a "consular section" in Douala, Cameroon, is also part of the plan. These consulates and sections represent US interests in areas outside the respective capitals. The simultaneous closure of multiple diplomatic missions, not tied to a specific geopolitical event, is a rare move. It is understood to be part of a broader effort initiated during the previous administration to reform public administration and ensure operations align with the 'America First' strategy. While some officials argued that smaller facilities are non-essential and incur unnecessary costs, Democrats and former national security and foreign policy officials have warned that reducing diplomatic presence could weaken US leadership and create dangerous openings for rivals. The State Department has not officially confirmed the closures but stated that it is focused on ensuring the nation's diplomatic presence is lean and effective, and committed to following congressional notification procedures. Notably, under the previous administration, the US had opened several new diplomatic missions in the Pacific region, where it competes for influence with China. China also maintains diplomatic presence in some of the areas where these closures are reportedly planned, including St. George's, Nagoya, and Medan. Information Source: VnExpress