In the past year, the United States has launched balloons into Chinese airspace more than ten times, according to China’s foreign ministry.
On February 4, the US shot down a suspected spy balloon above China, which China claimed was a meteorological balloon.
Since then, relations between the two nations have deteriorated. The United States has shot down several additional unexplained objects in recent days.
When questioned on Monday, Beijing stated that the United States had committed several airspace violations.
“It is not uncommon for the United States to illegally invade the airspace of other nations.” Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a routine press briefing.
More than ten US balloons have flown illegally above China without permission from Chinese authorities in the past year.
“The United States should begin with a clean slate and engage in some self-reflection before smearing and condemning China,” he continued.
He stated that Beijing’s response to the incursions had been “responsible and competent.”
He advised contacting the US for information on US high-altitude balloons illegally invading China’s airspace.
On the weekend, Chinese state-affiliated media reported that an unidentified flying object had been spotted off the country’s eastern coast and that the military was preparing to shoot it down.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson labeled the allegations as “false” on Twitter. Denying the White House’s claim that surveillance balloons were sent over China.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled his trip to Beijing due to the first balloon incident. China’s suspected high-altitude espionage was deemed unacceptable and reckless by the top ambassador.
On Sunday, the United States ordered the destruction of an unmanned “octagonal structure” near the Canadian border in Michigan – the fourth object to be eliminated in eight days.
On 10 February and 11 February, fighter pilots shot down smaller unidentified objects over Alaska and northern Canada, respectively.
Mr. Wang stated, “I have no comprehension of [these other objects].”
“However, what we wish to convey to everybody present is that the United States’ regular employment of advanced missiles to destroy unidentified flying objects is an overreaction of disproportionate force,” he stated.
US military head General Glen VanHerck said the latest item was not a threat.
He stated that it may be a “gaseous type of balloon” or “some form of propulsion device.” Adding that he could not rule out the possibility that the objects were aliens.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak stated that the government would do “whatever it takes” to protect the nation from the menace of spy balloons.
“We have a quick reaction alert force of Typhoon planes that patrol our airspace around the clock,” he continued.
