[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]BEIJING: After the US military shot down what it claims was a Chinese spy balloon, China announced on Monday that US high-altitude balloons had crossed its territory without authorization more than ten times since the start of 2022. This widened a diplomatic rift.
According to Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, “since last year, the US’s high-altitude balloons have engaged in more than 10 illegal flights into Chinese airspace without the clearance of the relevant Chinese agencies.”
Wang did not specifically describe the balloons as military or for espionage purposes and did not provide further details.
Asked how China had responded to such incursions into its airspace, Wang said its responses had been “responsible and professional”.
The US defense department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China’s assertion comes after the United States shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4 after it had drifted across the continental United States for days.
In response to the Chinese balloon, the United States postponed a visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to China, the balloon was a research vehicle intended for civilian purposes that had unintentionally blown off course. China also accused the United States of overreacting.
In order to avoid slander and conflict, Wang advised the US side to first examine itself and adjust its behaviour.
The US military has recently shot down three further aircraft over North America.
Wang stated that he was unaware of the most recent three targets that the US had shot down.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
