China said it would take action against US agencies in connection with the downing of a Chinese reconnaissance balloon off the US East Coast on the 15th.
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said in a regular briefing that day, but did not reveal the specific details or targets of the measures.
China claims that the downed balloon was an unmanned meteorological airship that accidentally deviated from its course, accusing the US of overreacting when it shot down the balloon by firing a missile with an F-22 fighter jet.
After the balloon was shot down on the 4th, the United States sanctioned six Chinese companies that it said had ties to China’s aerospace program.
The U.S. House of Representatives also unanimously condemned China for “blatantly violating U.S. sovereignty and seeking to deceive the international community with false allegations of an intelligence-gathering campaign.” U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blincoln canceled a planned visit to Beijing to stabilize relations between the two countries, which had collapsed over trade, human rights, Taiwan and China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
China denies that the balloon is for military use, but has yet to say which government department or company is responsible.
China initially expressed regret over the balloon’s entry into US airspace, but instead counterattacked with threats of retaliation, saying the US was scouting China.
“China resolutely opposes this (US reconnaissance activities), will take countermeasures in accordance with law against relevant US agencies that undermine China’s sovereignty and security, and will resolutely protect national sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests,” Wang said. will,” he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emmanuel said that the invasion of Chinese balloons was part of the Chinese government’s pattern of aggressive behavior. He cited recent incidents in which Chinese coast guard ships pointed military lasers at Philippine Coast Guard patrol boats, Chinese warplanes dangerously close to US military aircraft, and China’s opening of illegal police stations in the United States, Ireland and other countries. (Reconnaissance) balloons are not an isolated incident.”
He also stressed that if China wants to become a respected member of the international community, it must act in accordance with certain basic premises.
[베이징=AP/뉴시스]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.