Over 10 US balloons violated airspace since January 2022: China
China's Foreign Ministry on Monday claimed over 10 high-altitude balloons sent by the United States (US) violated its airspace since January 2022. Wang Wenbin, the ministry's spokesperson, made these claims while responding to a question at a media briefing. So far, Beijing has only admitted the first of the four airborne objects shot down by the US this month was one of its own.
Why does this story matter?
China's allegations follow a string of incidents in which the US Air Force shot down unidentified flying objects over its airspace. The US has claimed that it shot down a Chinese spy balloon over its territory last week for allegedly spying on sensitive nuclear weapons sites, which China denied. Tensions between China and the US are on the rise again following these spying allegations.
What did Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson say?
Addressing the media, spokesperson Wenbin said, "It's not uncommon as well for the US to illegally enter the airspace of other countries." "Since last year alone, US balloons have illegally flown above China more than 10 times without any approval from Chinese authorities," he added.
Handled US incursion responsibly: Spokesperson
During the briefing, Wenbin also stated that Beijing handled these incidents responsibly and professionally when asked about the US incursions. "If you want to know more about US high-altitude balloons illegally entering China's airspace, I suggest you refer to the US side," he added.
Watch: China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin addresses media
Spy balloon incidents escalated tensions in US-China relations
The fresh claims by China come after the US shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina last week. Beijing claimed the balloon was a civilian research craft and accused Washington of overreaction. Following that, the US Air Force shot down three more flying objects over North America. Repeated instances have severely impacted the already strained relations between both countries.
Taiwan says Chinese 'spy' balloons entered its airspace too
Meanwhile, Taiwan, too, claimed to have seen dozens of alleged Chinese spy balloons above its airspace in recent years, per The Financial Express. The latest Chinese "spy" balloon in Taipei airspace was supposedly sighted a few weeks ago. To recall, China has lately increased its military drills near the Taiwan border, raising fears that Beijing is planning a full-scale invasion of the self-governed island.
