China strongly opposes and has lodged solemn representations against the U.S. State Department's decision to impose additional restrictions on Chinese diplomats carrying out their regular official activities in the U.S., Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told media at a press conference on Thursday. 

"We urge the U.S. to withdraw relevant decisions, and support and facilitate the Chinese diplomats in conducting official activities in the U.S. instead of deliberately setting obstacles," Geng said. 

A senior U.S. State Department official said earlier that Chinese diplomats in the U.S. must now give advance notice of meetings with state, local and municipal officials in the U.S. as well as meetings at educational and research institutions, calling the decision "a response" to how U.S. diplomats are treated in China. 

Calling the U.S.' claims "totally groundless," Geng said that China has always supported and facilitated U.S. officials in carrying out regular official activities in China while providing necessary conveniences when needed.