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.
‘Every Dollar Possible’: Trump Admin Cracks Down on States That Put Illegal Drivers on the Road
Former Teacher of the Year Arrested on Cruelty to Children Charges
SEE IT: Feeding Our Future fraudsters bought mansions and Mercedes with $250M in stolen meal funds
Progressive powerhouses launch primary war against Democratic establishment ahead of 2026 elections
Good News for Charlie Kirk’s Family: Legal Expert Says Evidence Against Robinson Is ‘Strongest’ He’s Ever Seen
38-Year-Old Able-Bodied Man Irate After Losing Food Stamps Under Trump
After Australia passes social media ban lawmakers probed on why Congress hasn’t done more to protect kids
DHS to focus on arresting illegal immigrants with serious offenses amid negative polling on ICE raids: report
Justice Department sues Fulton County to obtain records related to 2020 election
Georgia woman hospitalized after attacker hurls corrosive chemical during evening walk
EXCLUSIVE: Inside Trump’s private schedule as media fixates on his health
Obese man on death row chooses buffet of BBQ, wings, cheeseburger, pizza, ice cream for last meal in Georgia
Florida influencer, 41, accused of inappropriately touching, exposing herself to teenage son’s friend
Republican House leader signals plan to begin contempt proceedings against Bill and Hillary Clinton
Watch: Tim Walz Tries to Make Somali Fraud Scandal Seem Perfectly Normal, Blames Trump for Talking About It
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.
