Reuters, citing an anonymous source, reported that the US Department of State informed several congressional committees last week of its intention to close diplomatic posts in St. George's (Grenada), Nagoya (Japan), Medan (Indonesia), Douala (Cameroon), and Winnipeg (Canada).

The facility in St. George's, Grenada, is an embassy. The posts in Medan, Winnipeg, and Nagoya are consulates, while the Douala facility is an "embassy branch office." Consulates and branch offices represent US interests in areas outside capital cities.

US Department of State building in Washington on 11/7/2025. Photo: Reuters

The simultaneous closure of multiple US diplomatic missions, unrelated to a specific geopolitical event, is a rare move.

Early last year, international media reported that the US Department of State had begun preparations to close nearly a dozen overseas missions. This action was part of former president Donald Trump's broader effort to reform the government apparatus, ensuring the entire system operated in line with the "America First" strategy.

The White House Office of Management and Budget even pushed for a more ambitious plan, aiming to eliminate up to 30 missions. Some administration officials argued that small-scale facilities were non-essential and incurred unnecessary costs.

Conversely, Democrats and many former security and foreign policy officials opposed this move. They warned that reducing diplomatic presence, coupled with the dissolution of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), would weaken US leadership and create dangerous vacuums for rivals.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on 3/1. Photo: AP

When asked for comment on 2/8, the US Department of State did not confirm the closures but stated its focus on ensuring the country's diplomatic presence operates efficiently. The statement added that the Department of State is committed to adhering to congressional notification procedures.

During former president Joe Biden's term, the US government opened several new foreign missions, all in the Pacific region, where it competes for influence with China.

Although China does not operate foreign missions in Douala or Winnipeg, it maintains a diplomatic presence in St. George's, Nagoya, and Medan.

Hoang Lan (According to Reuters, AFP)