【明報專訊】THE diplomatic row between China and the US is growing in intensity. The US has suddenly demanded that China close its consulate in Houston. Beijing has condemned the US for a unilateral political provocation. China and the US have had a bumpy relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 40 years ago. Through significant incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis, the bombing of China's embassy in Yugoslavia, and the clash of warplanes over the South China Sea, the two countries have been able to manage and control their conflicts appropriately. But the Trump administration has gone on a path of continuously adding fuel to the fire. The demand for the closure of a consulate is a diplomatic act that is full of hostility and is extremely serious in nature. This has never happened since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. Not only was the US's demand very sudden, but the excuse was also very vague and stretched credulity to the limit. The incident reflects the fragility and treacherousness of the relationship between China and the US at present. Donald Trump has set his sights on his re-election and is acting unpredictably. The White House is dominated by hawks and is vigorously going after China, paying no regard to international norms and propriety. This could easily lead to diplomatic or military misjudgement and China and the US's relationship spiralling downwards. As the worst is yet to come, the situation is worrying.