Beijing this Tuesday asked Washington to explain and promote “a thorough investigation” into illegal balloon flights by the United States over other countries, including the People’s Republic of China.
“The United States should thoroughly investigate and explain illegal ballooning, including in China.”Beijing’s diplomacy spokesman said at a news conference.
Wang reiterated that “at least ten US balloons (at high altitude) have flown over the People’s Republic of China and other countries since May 2022”.
“Yesterday (Monday) we gave this information and, as far as I can see, the United States has not completely denied it. They should explain it.”said the spokesman.
Meanwhile, the United States said it has recovered the electronic mechanism and sensors of the high-altitude balloon shot down on Feb. 4, allegedly from the People’s Republic of China.
The balloon, which Beijing has denied was a People’s Republic of China device used for surveillance, was knocked down by a US fighter jet off the coast of South Carolina after flying over the United States for a week.
The US government accused the People’s Republic of China of developing a military espionage program that uses balloons for surveillance missions in the skies of 40 countries.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suspended an official visit to Beijing after the diplomatic incident caused by the presence of spy balloons over US territory.
Beijing’s executive assured that the first shot down by the United States was a weather balloon that deviated from its trajectory and accused Washington of flying “at least” 10 balloons over the People’s Republic of China since last year.
However, Taiwan (Republic of China) said on Tuesday that the country (territory claimed by the People’s Republic of China since 1949) experiences weather balloon incursions every year and that they pose no threat to security.
Source: DN
