China has lashed out at the U.S. for urging its consulate staff to leave Shanghai

The financial hub is currently locked down as officials deal with the spread of coronavirus, which is in line with China’s COVID-zero strategy.

But officials say the U.S. is weaponising its attempts to contain the virus entirely.

China’s Foreign Ministry says it “firmly opposes” the order.

“We express strong dissatisfaction with the politicisation and weaponisation of evacuations by the U.S.”

ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian

On Monday. the U.S. State Department ordered all non-emergency employees and their families to leave the city of 25 million.

Meanwhile. a U.S. travel advisory is also calling for Americans to “reconsider travel” to all parts of China because of the strict COVID measures.

China’s most populous city has been under lockdown for weeks, with many residents unable to access basic essentials including medical care and food.

Locals have taken to their apartments to vent their frustration at the situation.