The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed regret over a balloon that entered US airspace and confirmed that the balloon belonged to China and was used for meteorological purposes.
The Ministry claimed that the balloon had strayed due to strong winds that affected its steering. The Chinese side stated that they will continue to communicate with the US and handle the situation caused by the forces of nature. A Chinese spokesperson also stated that China is a responsible country that abides by international law and has no intention of violating other countries’ airspace.
The US had prepared fighter jets to shoot down the balloon, but did not due to fear of falling debris affecting people on the ground. A senior Defense Department official stated that the balloon has limited value for intelligence gathering compared to satellites, and the department is taking steps to protect sensitive information from foreign intelligence collection.
The news of the balloon’s presence in US airspace caused outrage among lawmakers, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy who demanded an intelligence briefing. McCarthy stated that China’s disregard for US sovereignty is a concern that must be addressed and called on President Biden to respond. On CNN, Rep. Mike Quigley noted that low-orbit Chinese satellites have been flying over the US for years and must be addressed and confronted by the government. He emphasized that this is not a new concern and that it needs to be mitigated.
The balloon was seen flying over Montana, including the Malmstrom Air Force Base that contains intercontinental ballistic missiles. Montana Senator Steve Daines requested a briefing from the Biden administration regarding the incident and expressed alarm over the balloon’s infiltration into US and Montana airspace, given the current global hostility and instability towards the US and its allies.
