Vinson & Elkins has closed its Beijing office as the U.S. firm further retreats from Asia following a significant drop in oil and gas work in the region.

The firm has removed its Beijing office from its website, and the Hong Kong office is listed as "by appointment only" and has no resident lawyer.

Vinson & Elkins chairman Mark Kelly confirmed the closing of the Beijing office and said the Hong Kong office remains open, although the firm is evaluating its plans there going forward. The firm's Taipei office closed in October 2018, he said.