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.
Board of Peace demands Netanyahu cease Gaza airstrikes as Israel refuses to comply with peace plan
Denmark’s military conscription ‘expanded and strengthened’ as tensions mount with DC and Moscow
Growing Number of Conservatives Turn on DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin Over Soft ‘Immigration Reform’ Rhetoric
FIRST ON FOX: Trump to open direct line with military families in ground-up readiness push
Outrage over noncitizens allegedly voting in elections ignites probe into Garden State Dems
To Secure AG Job, Blanche Kills off Anti-Weaponization Fund Designed to Compensate Victims of Gov’t Witch Hunts, Like Most J6ers
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes release follows Unabomber ‘precedent’ that cracked case, expert says
SEE IT: Dashcam shows Florida trooper chasing alleged street takeover suspect at 140 mph
Chris ‘Fredo’ Cuomo Tries Playing Tough Guy for Anthony Fauci, Gets Nuked By Social Media
WNBA Head Coach Protests Sophie Cunningham with ‘Trans Kids’ Shirt During Game
Trump can declare Iran victory now and withdraw troops, former counterterror official argues
Races to watch in Michigan as establishment Democrats face off against challenges on their left flank
Top Trump ally warns super PAC bankrolled by Dem billionaire is meddling in his GOP primary
Trump v. Smithsonian: A timeline of how the White House fight over ‘woke’ history unfolded
First showdown in race for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat puts GOP hopefuls to the test
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.
