The allegation of the United States on the Chinese Consulate-General in Houston is "malicious slandering," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson from the ministry, made the remarks after American officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said Washington's demand for the closure of the Consulate-General was to "protect Americans' intellectual property and private information.

China strongly condemns U.S. requirement to close Chinese consulate in Houston

Chinese Consul General in Houston urges the U.S. to revoke 'erroneous' decision

The Chinese embassy and consulates in the U.S., including the Consulate-General in Houston, are committed to promoting friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries, Wang said.

When performing their duties in the U.S., the embassy and consulates always abide by international and local laws, he stressed.

The U.S.' request is a serious violation of international law and the basic principles of international relations, Wang said. 

It not only violates the relevant provisions of the Sino-U.S. treaty but also seriously undermines bilateral relations. The move is breaking down the bridge of friendship between the Chinese and the American peoples. 

In July 2018 and January 2020, the U.S. opened Chinese diplomatic bags without authorization twice, which seriously violated China's diplomatic dignity and security, Wang told reporters.

The American side didn't deny such actions when China lodged serious representations to them, he added. 

At the press conference, Wang also responded to reports that China didn't provide convenience to the U.S. side when the latter reopened their Consulate-General in Wuhan. 

The U.S. diplomatic personnel returned and resumed operations at their Consulate-General in Wuhan in June, after Washington decided to close it in January, said Wang. 

China has always provided convenience to the U.S. consulate, he noted. 

The spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed that the U.S. abruptly asked China to close its Consulate General in Houston in 72 hours starting July 21. 

The Chinese embassy and consulates in the U.S. have already received bomb and death threats, according to him. 

The Chinese Consulate-General in Houston, the first Chinese consulate established in the U.S., handles visa issuance, facilitates trade relationships and takes care of migrants and tourists.

As Texas is still seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Chinese Consulate-General in Houston has offered support to overseas students and made donations to help the local community fight against the disease.

Explainer: What Houston consulate closure means for China-U.S. ties