The US ordered China to shut its consulate in Houston in response to Chinese attempts to steal American science and technology secrets, including research on a Covid-19 vaccine, a senior State Department official said Friday.

In a briefing for journalists, the official linked activity at China’s Houston consulate to Beijing’s pursuit of research into a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

“There comes a time when you have to say, enough is enough,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity.