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.
Closing arguments conclude in Lindsay Clancy trial as prosecutors argue murders were ‘a choice’
US opposes 9/11 attackers’ Supreme Court bid to avoid death penalty
Trump administration designates three far-left groups as violent terrorist networks under new sanctions
US celebrates breakthrough as Syrian paramilitary group dissolves, signaling ‘bright future’ for once-fractured state
Dem’s metldown over ‘terrorist sympathizer’ Hasan Piker triggers instant conservative mockery: ‘Yikes’
Deranged Video: Dem’s OK Senate Candidate Storms Into Bedroom Shrieking, Cuts Up Pic of GOP Senator, Pastes Into ‘Burn Book’
Priceless: Watch Trump Personally Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America on His Own Map – ‘Now We Have a Lake… and a Gulf’
Soros prosecutor in danger of being removed after grieving mom’s desperate alarm: ‘Can’t believe this’
Judge sentences Feeding Our Future fraudsters who faked running child nutrition site
Top 10 fugitive captured after Georgia manhunt as police probe woman’s mysterious death
Bryan Kohberger’s 2027 hearing is not guaranteed as Idaho seeks quick dismissal
Thousands missing from dozens of countries after Nepal flooding
Iran and Oman come to agreement to open Strait of Hormuz, but await US buy-in
Newsom: ‘I Didn’t Even Know’ Home Had 5,000-Bottle Wine Cellar
Charles Barkley Takes Major Stand With Sophie Cunningham, Enes Kanter on Trans Players – ‘It’s in the Title: WNBA’
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.
