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.
Trump Wants Congress to Save Hollywood from Going Bust – His Heart Might Be in The Right Place, But He’s Dead Wrong
DOJ sues Kansas school district over ‘secret gender transitions’ in first-of-its-kind lawsuit
Former president-turned-amateur artist George W. Bush debuting new paintings for 9/11 remembrance
Canadian Voters Double Down on Hostility Toward Trump, Hand Liberal Party Special Election Sweep
Republicans turn on House GOP lawmaker accused of late-night texts, lavish gifts to female staffers
Starmer steps down from Parliament to seek opportunities in ‘international affairs,’ with Greens eager to snatch his seat
Ex-Indiana deputy charged with felony for allegedly using Flock cameras to stalk girlfriend
House Democrats Panicking as Republicans Prepare to Make Them Go on the Record with Socialism Vote
Spanberger fact-checked after Trump mail-voting warning raises military ballot fears
Six Fascinating, Barely-Known Facts Proving America and Jews/Judaism Have Been Linked Since the Founding
Swimmer rushed to hospital after suspected shark attack at Martha’s Vineyard
Nicki Minaj to star in ‘Shark Tank’- style show for Trump administration
Illegal immigrant’s ‘over-the-top’ sexual assault on elderly woman sends sheriff into rage: ‘Out of control’
Another ActBlue leader pleads Fifth as House investigates alleged foreign donations
Video: Trump Can’t Hold Back After Reporter Asks If He Plans to Nuke a Militarily Defeated Iran: ‘Stupid’
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.
