Documents burn after U.S. orders China to close consulate

Russians did the same in SF a few years ago in the same circumstances.

Don't know if you are sarcastic here, but yes, the destruction of documents and "evidence" or traces is certainly expected. What isn't is the method in which it is done. The fact that they had to make a fire indicates they were cought unprepared, which is a position you don't want to be in. You want to have enough intelligence information from sources so you can destroy evidence without a rush or with your pants down like this. This is certainly seen as an embarrassment. Not more or less.