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.
Four noncitizens charged with illegally voting in 2020, 2022 and 2024 federal elections in New Jersey
Trump teases US will be ‘taking over’ Cuba ‘almost immediately’ in Florida speech
Pentagon orders withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as Trump escalates feud with Merz
Op-Ed: Now Is the Time for Republican Courage on Abortion
Federal appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pills in ruling with nationwide effect
Domino’s driver runs down customer over tip dispute, caught on camera: police
Christian School That Was Punished for Stand Against Trans Athletes in Girls’ Sports Gets the Last Laugh
57 pounds of marijuana worth $220,000 found in Maryland man and woman’s suitcase at Dulles Airport
Oregon Man Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence After Targeting Customs and Border Protection Helicopter
Trump aims to reset war powers clock with controversial bid to bypass Congress
DOJ Targets Blue State for Giving Illegals Financial Assistance While Neglecting U.S. Citizens
Black conservative unleashes on Obama for ‘constantly whining’ after SCOTUS voting rights decision
Pope Leo places former illegal immigrant in charge of red state diocese
Teen suspect in murder of two bank employees in Kentucky leads police on wild 130 mph chase
Sheriff Grady Judd names Jan. 6 participant, MAGA influencer among 266 arrested in prostitution sting
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.
