Flag lowered at US consulate in Chengdu as China takes control

Troops posted outside building as Chinese authorities take over diplomatic mission

Chinese authorities have taken over the US consulate general in Chengdu, marking the diplomatic mission's official closure and a new low point in ties between the world's largest economies.

At dawn on Monday, the American flag outside the consulate was lowered while police held back crowds that had gathered over the weekend to watch. At 10am, the mission was closed, according to China's foreign ministry.