WASHINGTON, 04 FEB – “The Chinese spy balloon in the US skies is a violation of American sovereignty and international law” and an “irresponsible” act by Beijing, thundered the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, at a conference press with the South Korean foreign minister in Washington. The balloon “does not pose a threat to the population”, but “it is a violation of our sovereignty and is unacceptable”, added Blinken, reiterating that he had postponed his visit to Beijing: “the conditions (for the visit) were not favorable ”, he said, underlining that however the “channels of communication with China remain open”. “Our priority now is to get the Chinese spy balloon away from US skies,” added Blinken. Beijing this morning replied to Blinken: China and the United States “must remain focused, communicate in a timely manner, avoid misjudgments and manage differences in the face of unexpected situations,” said the Chinese Communist Party’s chief of diplomacy, Wang Yi, inviting to use “calm” and “coldness”. US media and politicians “have taken advantage” of allegations leveled against a spy balloon over US territory, “using the incident as a pretext to attack and defame China,” China’s foreign ministry said, adding a comment on Blinken’s announcement that he would postpone the visit to China: “Indeed, neither side ever announced that there would be a visit. It is a US matter to have made their latest announcement (on the postponement of Blinken’s visit, ed) and we respect it”. According to the American media, its positioning over the American skies is “intentional” and not the result of “force majeure”, as claimed by Beijing, which has apologized and claims that the spy balloon, used in meteorology, would have been hijacked over the USA by wind without the possibility of controlling it. (HANDLE).
(ANSA)
