Washington (AFP) – The United States secretly expelled two Chinese embassy officials in September after they drove onto a sensitive military base in Virginia, The New York Times reported Sunday.
The newspaper, which cited people with knowledge of the episode, said it appeared to be the first time in more than 30 years that the US has expelled Chinese diplomats on suspicion of espionage.
At least one of the diplomats was believed to be an intelligence officer operating under cover, the Times said.
The Times said the diplomats, accompanied by their wives, drove up to the checkpoint at the entrance to a sensitive installation near Norfolk, Virginia that includes special operations forces.
Hawaii tourist charged with attempted murder, accused of stabbing veteran boat captain on snorkel tour
Law Professor: Blue States Taxing Fleeing Residents Are Like ‘Deranged Ex-Spouse In Denial’
Blue City Paradise: NYC Thugs Steal Elderly Women’s Car, Hit 72-Year-Old With Walker as They Make Their Getaway
Nancy Guthrie sheriff under pressure as petition demands access for United Cajun Navy
US military announces another deadly strike against ‘narco-terrorists’
DOJ demands 865K Detroit ballots, threatening possible legal action
GOP Senate hopeful Michele Tafoya accuses Walz, Ellison of ignoring Minnesota fraud scheme
NYPD investigating ‘reckless’ drag racing street takeover in Queens
Republicans Cline and Presler rally against Virginia redistricting vote
Pennsylvania man accused of stealing over 100 sets of human remains appears in court in ‘horror movie’ case
Survey finds nearly one-third of Long Island residents say Jews should ‘move on’ from the Holocaust
DOJ Reportedly Appealing Ruling That Limits Feds’ Ability to Use Notorious Spy Tool
Homeowner Uses Shovel to Defend His Pregnant Wife and Child from Would-Be Intruder
House Hearing Witnesses Reveal How Hardworking Families Pay Higher Taxes
California regulators kill charity fireworks for America’s 250th, sparking outrage
The guard saw that they didn’t have permission to enter and directed them to go through the gates, turn around and exit.
The Chinese officials continued onto the base, evading military personnel pursuing them until they were forced to stop by fire trucks blocking their path, according to the Times.
It said the officials said they didn’t understand the guard’s instructions and got lost.
Weeks after the incident, the State Department placed restrictions on the activities of Chinese diplomats, in what it said was a response to years-old Chinese regulations limiting the movements of US diplomats.
Story cited here.
