Washington (CNN) Two Chinese Embassy officials were "secretly expelled" by the US earlier this year after they entered a "sensitive" military base in Virginia, The New York Times reported Sunday, citing conversations with people with knowledge of the episode.

The Times said half a dozen people with knowledge of the expulsions said US officials believe "at least one of the Chinese officials, who were with their wives, was an intelligence officer operating under diplomatic cover."

Officials at the Chinese Embassy "complained to State Department officials about the expulsions," the Times reported, noting that the action comes amid heightened tensions between the US and China, "the world's two largest economies and biggest strategic rivals."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Monday that the US accusations against the Chinese diplomatic personnel were "seriously contrary to the facts."

"China has lodged solemn representations and protests to the US in this regard. We strongly urge the US to correct its mistakes, revoke relevant decisions and protect Chinese diplomats' legitimate rights and interests," Geng said.

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