China urges the United States to "correct its mistake" regarding the expulsion of diplomats

The incident is the latest conflict between the world's two largest economies and comes a few days after announcing a truce in the form of a mini-agreement to reduce certain tariffs in a deadly trade war that has weighed on both sides.

Beijing, China:

On Monday, China called the expulsion of US diplomats a"mistake," following reports that Washington had discreetly expelled two embassy officials in September after driving to a sensitive military base in Virginia.

The incident is the latest conflict between the world's two largest economies and comes a few days after announcing a truce in the form of a mini-agreement to reduce certain tariffs in a deadly trade war that has weighed on both sides.

Commenting on the New York Times report, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang described the accusations as "completely contrary to the facts" and said "strongly urge the United States to correct its mistake".

Geng Shuang said that Beijing had filed "solemn declarations and protests in the United States" and called on Washington to "protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese diplomats".

The incident seems to be the first time in more than 30 years that the United States expelled Chinese diplomats suspected of espionage, the newspaper said on Sunday, citing people close to the episode.

At least one of the diplomats would be an undercover intelligence officer, The Times said.