The second balloon, last seen over Colombia, belongs to China, Chinese authorities acknowledged, reports Merco Press on February 7.
On Monday, US President Joe Biden said the Pentagon is in contact with the Latin American countries over which a Chinese balloon has flown.
The Colombian Air Force reported that an “object” with “characteristics similar to a balloon” was detected and tracked. “until it left the airspace”.
Although the Chinese Foreign Ministry has clarified that the balloon was intended for civilian purposes, the United States continues to view it as a threat to its national security and has canceled Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s trip to Beijing this week.
On Monday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the object that crossed the Colombian sky was “civilian and used for flight tests”. Because “Weather Forces and Limited Maneuverability Balloon Severely Deviated from Planned Path” AND “accidentally directed towards Latin America and the Caribbean”said Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning.
“China is a responsible country and has always strictly observed international law”Mao added.
“We have contacted the relevant parties and we are addressing this issue properly, we will not pose any threat to any country.”the official also pointed out, three days after the Pentagon warned that a second alleged spy balloon had been sighted over Latin America.
Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer said Monday that the February 15 balloon incident would be reported confidentially to the upper house.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explained that “weather conditions” prevented more debris from being collected. He added that the US “there were no intentions and plans to return” remains to the Chinese authorities.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said removing more debris from the balloon would be a task that could take time but would be beneficial as Washington could “Know even more than you already know”.
According to the head of the US Aerospace Defense Command, General Glenn VanHurke, the search involves the USS Carter Hall, which is located near the place where the ball fell into the sea, as well as the Pathfinder ship with sonar, which will help to create a map of the area. VanHurke did not rule out parts of the balloon coming ashore and urged residents living in the area to contact local security if they find any. The FBI and agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service assist the Armed Forces in these recovery tasks.
Beijing said the US measures were excessive and vowed to reserve the right to retaliate.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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