Blinken Says Chinese Balloon In ‘Clear Violation’ Of U.S. Sovereignty

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly told China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a call on Friday that “the presence” Intentions of a Chinese spy satellite “U.S. airspace is a clear violation of U.S. sovereignty and international law.”

Blinken stated that his team had concluded Friday’s appearance at the State Department. “conditions were not conducive” For him to continue with a scheduled visit to China This weekend.

Also, the secretary stated that he had sent it to an “irresponsible act and that the PRC’s decision to take this action on the eve of my planned visit is detrimental to the substantive discussions we were prepared to have.”

Blinken added that he also told his counterpart that the United States “remains committed to diplomatic engagement with China” He also stated that he will be visiting Beijing in the near future “when conditions allow.”

The U.S. government is the first Recognized the suspected reconnaissance balloon On Thursday, it was spotted above Billings Montana.

“A clear violation of U.S. sovereignty and international law.”

Sec. Blinken delays Beijing visit, calling the U.S. presence of a Chinese spy balloon “suspicious”. “detrimental to the substantive discussions that we were prepared to have.” https://t.co/wFYPDbgvrJ pic.twitter.com/PqPCjcCDj8

— ABC News (@ABC) February 3, 2023

China’s government claimed the balloon is a “civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological purposes” and essentially got blown off course. The Pentagon rejected that explanation on Friday, calling it a “surveillance balloon” that was about 60,000 feet in the air and “maneuverable.”

The balloon appears to be headed southeast, with possible sightings Friday in Kansas and Missouri.

U.S. defense officials said they are monitoring the balloon and insisted it does not present an immediate military or physical threat to people on the ground. The Pentagon said shooting it down might create the danger of debris falling on people below.

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