The U.S. Consulate in Chengdu was widely viewed as a critical diplomatic link and a strategic hub for information in Southwest China before its closure in 2020. International observers and human rights groups described it as a vital post for gathering first-hand information on human rights issues in Tibet and Xinjiang, while the U.S. State Department highlighted its 35-year history of promoting mutual understanding through cultural events and providing services to over 200 million people. However, the Chinese government accused the consulate of being a base for activities "not in line with diplomatic identities," alleging that staff interfered in internal affairs and harmed national security. Public sentiment following the closure order was deeply divided; while some local residents and social media users expressed nationalist support for the "reciprocal" closure in response to the U.S. shutting China's Houston consulate, others shared a sense of dismay and sadness, viewing it as a regrettable escalation in a "new Cold War" that disrupted long-standing cultural and personal connections.