Beijing: The US has refused to return the wreckage of the spy balloon to China. The US has said it is collecting the debris of the balloon for examination. There is no question of handing it over to China. On the other hand, China said that it will resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests in the matter of the US destroying a suspected Chinese spy balloon. There is already tension between the two countries on many issues. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a visit to Beijing this week following the balloon episode, which was seen as a sign of hope for improved relations between the two countries.
China claims – the balloon was a weather informationChina claims it was a balloon used for meteorological research, but declined to say which government department or company it belonged to. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated on Tuesday that the unmanned “airship” (balloon) posed no threat and strayed into US airspace. Mao criticized the US for “excessively commenting” on the matter and for shooting down the balloon in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast on Saturday.
China is desperate to get debris
Asked whether China wanted the debris back, he only said that the balloon belonged to China. Mao said that the balloon did not belong to America. The Chinese government will continue to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. China initially gave a restrained response to the balloon’s entry into US airspace, saying it had strayed and expressed regret over its arrival in US territory. Later, China made strong remarks about America. The two countries are already at loggerheads over Taiwan, trade, technology sanctions, and China’s claim to the South China Sea.
Objection lodged in the American Embassy
China has said it lodged a formal protest with the US Embassy in Beijing, accusing Washington of “overreacting” and seriously violating the spirit of international law and order. From Japan to Costa Rica, such balloons were also seen in other countries, which are suspected or confirmed to be of China.
Mysterious balloon also seen in Taiwan
Media reports in Taiwan say mysterious white balloons have been seen in the area at least three times in the past two years. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense never told the association of these balloons with China. However, after the presence of the Chinese balloon in America, a debate has started regarding the balloons seen earlier in these areas.