Withdrawal of alleged spies urged

BEIJING - China ordered the US and Japan yesterday to withdraw two military attaches, accusing the two men of spying and taking…

BEIJING - China ordered the US and Japan yesterday to withdraw two military attaches, accusing the two men of spying and taking photographs in restricted military zones.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mr Shen Guofang, said in a statement, "The irrefutable evidence shows that their actions were deliberate and premeditated".

He demanded that their respective governments recall both diplomats before tomorrow for breaking Chinese laws governing security, military facilities and the movement of foreigners, and for violating the Vienna Convention on diplomatic activities.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter