The US Pentagon announced yesterday, Thursday, that it is tracking a Chinese spy balloon – “Time to stop the balloon trick” China Daily reacted less diplomatically
Chinese authorities announced today Friday that… they “control” American intelligencewhich said a Chinese spy balloon was spotted in US airspace days ago, and asked “not to make a big deal out of it.”
“An investigation is underway,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters.
“I would like to emphasize that, until the facts become clear, speculations and exaggerations they do not help in resolving the issue properly,” the official added. “We hope that both sides can deal with the incident calmly and wisely,” he stressed.
The American Pentagon announced yesterday, Thursday, that it is monitoring a Chinese spy balloon flying at a high altitude over the US territory, passing by sensitive military installations, assuring that it does not pose any “threat”.
The incident was announced just 24 hours before the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken travel to China to stabilize the increasingly strained bilateral relationship.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the State Department summoned the Chinese ambassador to Washington to give a “very clear and unequivocal message” about the spy balloon.
Reuters reports that such balloons typically fly at 80,000-120,000 feet (24,000-37,000 meters), well above the altitude of commercial flights. The highest performing fighter jets usually do not fly above 65,000 feet (20,000 meters), although spy planes such as the U-2 have an upper operational limit of 80,000 feet or more (24,000 meters). They are much cheaper than spy planes, and can monitor a specific area for longer periods. They can also be used to enhance satellite observations.
Canada later reported a “possible second incident” with a high-flying spy balloon in its airspace for some 24 hours.
Fury in Chinese media
“Time to “stop” the balloon trick,” the Chinese newspaper China Daily reacted less diplomatically.
“This is not so much a matter of the (US) media, but a political balloon from Washington to manipulate the domestic public before US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrives on his much-anticipated first visit to China,” comments the columnist.
“Like news of senior generals recently talking about war with China by 2025, this news seeks to worry the citizensof the US that the threat from China is not distant, but everywhere and in everyday life. The US military is fully prepared and ready to face China.”
“While China-US diplomatic exchanges are being settled, Washington’s hawks are standing in the way. For those profiting from Sino-American problems, the prospect of improved bilateral relations is certainly not a good sign. But we will not let their tricks succeed,” he notes.
AMPE –
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
