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Obama to cancel Waldorf-Astoria stay

Posted On: Sep. 17, 2015 12:00 AM CST

America’s simmering cyber feud with China has spilled over into the Obama administration’s sleeping arrangements during this month’s 70th United Nation General Assembly in New York.

For decades, U.S. presidents have stayed at the storied and luxurious Waldorf-Astoria hotel in midtown Manhattan, but security concerns are forcing a change of venue, according to media reports.

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The hotel was sold last year for a reported $1.95 billion to Beijing-based Anbang Insurance Group Inc., a firm with numerous connections to Chinese officials.

The New York Times noted the State Department and administration were vague about the change, but security concerns were implied.

Why else “would you not stay at the Waldorf?” a senior State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Times. “Who would make that choice for any other reason?”

The Anbang Group plans a “major renovation” of the property, further raising the specter of possible security concerns, reports said.

President Obama reportedly will stay at the New York Palace Hotel.