WASHINGTON, District of Columbia (AFP) - A Chinese national charged with splattering green paint inside Washington's National Cathedral was ordered on Friday to remain in a halfway house pending further court proceedings.

Jiamei Tian, 58, whose United States (US) tourist visa expired last weekend, was also instructed to wear a GPS device at all times to monitor her movements.

With her case still under police investigation, Judge Frederick Sullivan insisted Tian must not leave the halfway house or be granted any social passes.

Tian was arrested Monday at the National Cathedral and charged with felony destruction of property after two of its chapels were vandalized with green paint.

Police suspect Tian might have been involved in green-paint incidents at other Washington landmarks in recent days, including the Lincoln Memorial last Friday.

Felony destruction of property carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to US$5,000 (S$6,400).