ANKARA

Chinese authorities on Monday took control of the US consulate in its southwestern Chengdu city, official media said.

According to Global Times, the Chinese authorities entered the consulate early in the morning.

The move came after the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas was closed Friday amid accusation of espionage by the US.

US accuses Chinese hackers of stealing information from companies in Texas involved in COVID-19 research.

China's Foreign Ministry protested over the Washington move on Saturday warning of "legitimate and necessary reactions".