Flag lowered as US departs Chengdu consulate in China

The American flag has been taken down at a U.S. consulate in southwestern China, according to state media, as officials vacate the premises under order of the Chinese government. State broadcaster CCTV said on its social media account that the flag was lowered at 6:18 a.m. on Monday at the U.S. mission in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan provine. Police have closed off a two to three block area around the consulate, cutting off virtually any view of the property.