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.
‘Not Alaska First’: Peltola’s Green New Deal allies draw scrutiny in Alaska Senate bid
Hegseth says US strikes force some cartel leaders to halt drug operations
Can the late shah’s son sell the Trump administration on leading a postcleric regime in Iran?
Proposed California ‘wealth tax’ may backfire on liberal politicians as state’s revenue base dries up
Minnesota green energy program funded by Obama fined for killing bald eagle: ‘National treasure’
US forces kill two suspected narco-terrorists in Eastern Pacific lethal strike operation
Harvey Levin gives explosive update on purported Nancy Levin ransom note on ‘Hannity’
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: No suspects identified in disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as deadline passes
Civil rights groups issue Florida travel advisory for FIFA World Cup over immigration enforcement tactics
White House slams Democrat governor for urging public to track ICE agents with new video portal
Boston’s Wu orders release of ICE surveillance and bodycam footage, says fed government ‘hides behind masks’
Baltimore Mayor Plays the Race Card After Being Called Out on His $163,495 Taxpayer-Funded Vehicle
FDA relaxes labeling rules on ‘no artificial colors’ claims amid crackdown
DHS says anti-ICE agitators helped child rapists, gang members evade deportation
Kamala Harris Gives Clearest Indication Yet That She’s Running in 2028, Restarts 2024 Machine
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.
