After a suspected spy balloon from China entered US airspace and caused a stir, the Middle Kingdom tried to appease: it was a “civil” airship for meteorological research. The balloon deviated “far from its planned course” due to the strong westerly wind, a foreign ministry spokesman said in Beijing on Friday.
The Pentagon suspected that the balloon was intended to explore highly sensitive nuclear weapons bases. The plane was closely watched but not shot down because it might have endangered too many people, a US Defense Department official said.
According to China “force majeure”
However, according to China, the balloon was completely harmless and had deviated from its planned course due to its limited ability to control itself and the weather, the foreign ministry said. “China regrets unexpected force majeure access to US airspace.” China will continue to communicate with the US and handle this “unexpected situation” appropriately.
The “relatively large” balloon entered US airspace a few days ago and is flying at high altitudes over the northwestern US, said the senior US official, who wished to remain anonymous. His path had previously been followed by the US military. “The balloon’s purpose is clearly espionage and its current path is through sensitive bases,” the Pentagon official said. These include air bases and underground missile sites.
US Secretary of State postpones trip to China
The incident took place shortly before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was due to visit China on Sunday. According to government circles in Washington, the politician will now postpone his trip. Blinken does not want to exaggerate the situation by canceling his visit, but also does not want the incident to dominate his meetings with Chinese officials, ABC News reports.
Falling debris may have caused damage
After discovering the balloon, Biden reportedly ordered a possible launch to be investigated. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials ultimately decided against it because too many people on the ground could be endangered if they were shot by the falling parts. “In our estimation, it is so large that its fragments can cause damage.” According to information, fighter jets flew near the balloon over the US state of Montana to assess it.
Source: Krone
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