Chinese spy balloons appear in US airspace: US Secretary of State announces postponement of Beijing visit
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on February 3. Secretary Blinken announced that he would postpone his visit to China this weekend.
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A balloon was spotted in Billings, Montana, USA on February 1, 2023. Source: Reuters |
According to a statement from the US State Department, Secretary of State Blinken said he will not visit China at this time, in the context of a Chinese spy balloon appearing in US airspace. Secretary of State Blinken also reiterated that he plans to visit Beijing to implement the agenda agreed by President Biden and President Xi Jinping in Bali last November.
Secretary Blinken noted China’s regrettable statement but reiterated that this was an irresponsible act and a clear violation of US sovereignty and international law that undermined the purpose of his trip to China. Mr. Blinken also explained that given the circumstances, his visit to Beijing would be inappropriate at this time.
Secretary of State Blinken emphasized that the US is committed to diplomatic engagement and maintaining open channels of communication and that he will be ready to visit Beijing as soon as conditions allow./.