Balloon related to research, lost direction: China
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The ministry said in a statement that the wind had limited the operational capability of the balloon and it had deviated far from its planned route. It said China regrets the unintended entry of its balloon into US airspace.
China’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the balloon suspected by the US of surveillance is of civilian purpose, mainly used for meteorological research. The ministry said in a statement that the wind had limited the operational capability of the balloon and it had deviated far from its planned route. It said China regrets the unintended entry of its balloon into US airspace.
Earlier, China said it was investigating reports of its balloon flying in US airspace. Appealing for calm on the issue, it had said that it had “no intention to violate the jurisdiction and airspace of any sovereign country.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also said that they have There is no information whether US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing next week will go on as scheduled. He said politicians and the public should not make decisions before they have a clear understanding of the facts about the spy balloon news.
Blinken to visit China in an effort to ease tensions over trade, Taiwan, human rights and China’s claims in the South China Sea. Will be the top official of Biden’s administration. Mao said at a regular press conference, “China is a responsible country and has always strictly followed international rules, and China has no intention of violating the jurisdiction and airspace of any sovereign country.” For the balloon, as I just said, we are investigating and ascertaining the situation. Hope both sides together can deal with it peacefully and carefully.
“As far as Blinken’s trip to China goes, I have no information,” he said. A senior US defense official told reporters that Washington was “very, very confident” that it was China. It was a high altitude balloon and was flying over sensitive areas to collect information. The official said on condition of anonymity that the places where the balloon was seen included Montana, where the country has three nuclear missile launch sites. Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said the balloon is currently flying at an altitude above commercial air traffic and does not pose a danger to people on the ground.
Ryder said that similar ballooning activity has been observed over the past several years and that the government has taken steps to ensure that no sensitive information is stolen. According to a senior administration official, President Biden was briefed and asked to present alternatives to the military. Defense Minister Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Miley advised against taking action because of the risk to the safety of people on the ground. Biden accepted this recommendation. The defense official said that the US spoke to Chinese officials through several channels and explained the seriousness of the matter.
Disclaimer:IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.
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