There is an alleged explosion in front of the US Embassy in Beijing

BEIJING.- The exterior of the US Embassy in Beijing appeared to record a fire or explosion on Thursday. Apparently, a woman was arrested after being sprinkled with gasoline, according to official reports.

The images posted on Twitter showed a lot of smoke and what appeared to be police vehicles surrounding the vast structure located in the north-east of the Chinese capital.

Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident and the embassy spokesman said he was still gathering information.

The ruling Communist Party newspaper, the Global Times, said the police had "arrested a woman who sprayed gasoline in an alleged attempt to blow herself up" around 11:00 am.

Beijing and Washington are engaged in a trade war, but the United States remains a popular destination among Chinese citizens to travel, study and emigrate.