This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
On December 15, 2019, the US took a rare step in expelling two Chinese diplomats on suspicion of espionage, marking the first time in over 30 years that such an incident has occurred.
The diplomats, who were intelligence officers operating under cover, attempted to enter a sensitive US military installation near Norfolk, Virginia, accompanied by their wives.
According to eyewitnesses, the diplomats drove up to the checkpoint, but the guard directed them to exit, citing a lack of permission to enter.
However, the Chinese officials continued onto the base, evading military personnel until they were forced to stop by fire trucks blocking their path.
When questioned, the diplomats claimed 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 response to years-old Chinese regulations limiting the movements of US diplomats.
