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.
Florida man allegedly shot woman in neck, dragged her back inside before hiding in backyard pool
California governor’s debate turns chaotic as candidates chase breakout moment
Illegal immigrant accused of killing newlywed couple in Oregon crash arrested by ICE after jail release
Pentagon urges Congress to codify ‘Department of War’ name change it estimates will cost $52 million
Biden Admin Used a ‘Code Word’ to Conceal Loans to Planned Parenthood, Senator Alleges
Reagan shooter calls link to Washington hotel ‘spooky’ after alleged Trump assassination attempt at same site
Self-Avowed ‘Socialist Socialite’ Roasted After Mocking Budget Dress Worn by Hegseth’s Wife
Teacher’s ‘Disgusting’ Comment About White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Gets Him Placed on Leave
US Secret Service arrests suspect after barrier breach near White House during King Charles’ visit
CNN Admits Trump Suspect Parroted Mainstream Dem ‘Hitler’ Rhetoric, Was Radicalized Around Election
DHS taunts media for reporting about ‘Green Bay man’ illegal immigrant charged in vicious machete attack
Ghost in the gallery: George Washington looks on as King Charles addresses Congress
Hot Mic: Fox’s Jimmy Failla Mocked WHCD Security Before Shooting: Might as Well Be ‘A Doorstop and a Scarecrow’
Poll: Former Fox Host Steve Hilton Has Narrow Lead in Packed California Race for Governor
Dem and GOP lawmakers trade blame over rhetoric after WHCD shooting: ‘It is disgusting’
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.
