<p>The "spy balloon" conundrum has gripped the world, and the politics over it is far from over. Now, South Korea has claimed to have tracked a North Korean balloon over its territory. The development comes after a suspected Chinese spy balloon caused major geopolitical controversy after it was spotted in the airspace of the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South Korean military on Monday (February 6) said it had tracked the balloon, however, it did not pose a threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the balloon briefly entered South Korean airspace on Sunday. The military further added that they took unspecified "measures".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seriously-impacted-relations-chinas-rebuke-to-us-shooting-down-suspected-spy-balloon-559092">‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Citing a high-level military source, South Korean broadcaster KBS reported that the balloon was detected by a front-line unit through a thermal observation device at around 6:30pm (local time) on Sunday in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, a region near the inter-Korean border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a report by NK News, it was mentioned that the South Korean military identified that it was a weather balloon and that it flew at a low altitude.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | US&nbsp;shoots down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-beijing-reacts-558889">US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon, Beijing reacts with threat of repercussions</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>On Sunday,&nbsp;a US fighter jet downed a balloon which was from China and is now working to recover debris. China had said that it was a civilian "airship" used for research, mainly meteorological purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing also weighed in on America's decision to shoot it down, saying on Monday that its balloon's "unintended entry" tested "US sincerity in improving and stabilising China-US&nbsp;relations and its way of handling crises".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's foreign ministry also said that the way the US reacted is "unacceptable" and an "overreaction", despite Beijing clarifying that the balloon had veered off course.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The entire balloon saga has dealt a severe blow to already strained US-Chinese relations, even the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to put off his crucial visit to Beijing after the discovery of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The "spy balloon" conundrum has gripped the world, and the politics over it is far from over. Now, South Korea has claimed to have tracked a North Korean balloon over its territory.

The "spy balloon" conundrum has gripped the world, and the politics over it is far from over. Now, South Korea has claimed to have tracked a North Korean balloon over its territory. The development comes after a suspected Chinese spy balloon caused major geopolitical controversy after it was spotted in the airspace of the United States. The South Korean military on Monday (February 6) said it had tracked the balloon, however, it did not pose a threat. The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the balloon briefly entered South Korean airspace on Sunday. The military further added that they took unspecified "measures". ALSO READ | ‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon Citing a high-level military source, South Korean broadcaster KBS reported that the balloon was detected by a front-line unit through a thermal observation device at around 6:30pm (local time) on Sunday in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, a region near the inter-Korean border. In a report by NK News, it was mentioned that the South Korean military identified that it was a weather balloon and that it flew at a low altitude. WATCH | US shoots down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic × ALSO READ | US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon, Beijing reacts with threat of repercussions On Sunday, a US fighter jet downed a balloon which was from China and is now working to recover debris. China had said that it was a civilian "airship" used for research, mainly meteorological purposes. Beijing also weighed in on America's decision to shoot it down, saying on Monday that its balloon's "unintended entry" tested "US sincerity in improving and stabilising China-US relations and its way of handling crises". China's foreign ministry also said that the way the US reacted is "unacceptable" and an "overreaction", despite Beijing clarifying that the balloon had veered off course. The entire balloon saga has dealt a severe blow to already strained US-Chinese relations, even the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to put off his crucial visit to Beijing after the discovery of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seoul takes unspecified 'measures' after North Korean balloon briefly spotted over South Korea

<p>China has condemned the US for shooting down its balloon on the suspicion of snooping on sensitive military sites, saying that the move has "seriously impacted and damaged" relations between the two countries.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Washington shot it down off the coast of South Carolina after the balloon spent several days hovering over North America, leading the United States to call off a planned visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>Beijing protested the move, claiming the balloon was a civilian aircraft that was blown off course, and on Sunday lodged an official complaint with the US embassy in China.</p>

<p>"The United States' actions have seriously impacted and damaged both sides' efforts and progress in stabilising Sino-US relations since the Bali meeting," vice foreign minister Xie Feng said in the complaint, referring to a summit between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in November.</p>

<h2><strong>China condemns U.S decision to shoot down sky balloon</strong></h2>

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<p>The statement added, " China is paying close attention to the development of the situation" and "reserves the right to make further necessary reactions".</p>

<p>The US, however, maintains that the alleged spy balloon was a "high-altitude surveillance balloon", adding that Washington had taken steps to block it from collecting sensitive information.</p>

<h2><strong>Navy roped in to retire debris</strong></h2>

<p>US Navy divers have been working to recover the wreckage of the Chinese surveillance balloon.</p>

<p>America's former top military officer said he expected it would happen relatively quickly so that experts could begin analysing its equipment, according to BBC.</p>

<p>Apart from that, fighter jets have been dispatched to the US territorial waters as the debris is spread over a wide area.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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China has condemned the US for shooting down its balloon on the suspicion of snooping on sensitive military sites, saying that the move has "seriously impacted and damaged" relations between the two countries.

China has condemned the US for shooting down its balloon on the suspicion of snooping on sensitive military sites, saying that the move has "seriously impacted and damaged" relations between the two countries. On Saturday, Washington shot it down off the coast of South Carolina after the balloon spent several days hovering over North America, leading the United States to call off a planned visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Beijing protested the move, claiming the balloon was a civilian aircraft that was blown off course, and on Sunday lodged an official complaint with the US embassy in China. "The United States' actions have seriously impacted and damaged both sides' efforts and progress in stabilising Sino-US relations since the Bali meeting," vice foreign minister Xie Feng said in the complaint, referring to a summit between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in November. China condemns U.S decision to shoot down sky balloon The statement added, " China is paying close attention to the development of the situation" and "reserves the right to make further necessary reactions". The US, however, maintains that the alleged spy balloon was a "high-altitude surveillance balloon", adding that Washington had taken steps to block it from collecting sensitive information. Navy roped in to retire debris US Navy divers have been working to recover the wreckage of the Chinese surveillance balloon. America's former top military officer said he expected it would happen relatively quickly so that experts could begin analysing its equipment, according to BBC. Apart from that, fighter jets have been dispatched to the US territorial waters as the debris is spread over a wide area. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon

<p>The US has shot down the giant Chinese spy balloon near the east coast that was said to have been spying on sensitive military sites across the country.&nbsp;The Department of Defense confirmed in a statement that the US fighter jets brought down the balloon over US territorial waters.</p>

<p>"Today's deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President (Joe) Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC's unacceptable violation of our sovereignty," Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement.</p>

<p>A US military official said that an F-22 fighter jet took the shot at 2:39 p.m. (local time), using a single AIM-9X supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile.</p>

<p>The debris landed in 47ft (14m) of water – shallower than they had expected – near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.</p>

<p>Two naval ships have been dispatched to retrieve the debris which is said to have spread over 11km (7 miles).</p>

<p>A clip shared on Twitter by a Reuters photographer showed a stream coming from a jet and hitting the balloon. According to the photographer, there was no explosion and it then began to fall.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incredible HD footage of the Chinese surveillance balloon being shot down. <a href="https://t.co/K1GxdcJuH1">pic.twitter.com/K1GxdcJuH1</a></p>
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrahamAllen_1/status/1622011237633490944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>US President Joe Biden had on Thursday vowed to shoot down the balloon ever since defence officials first announced that&nbsp;they were tracking it.</p>

<p>After the balloon was shot down, Biden said, "They successfully took it down, and I want to compliment our aviators who did it."</p>

<p>A few hours later, the Chinese foreign ministry reacted angrily to the incident as it warned of repercussions over America's use of force against its civilian unmanned airship. It said, “The Chinese side has repeatedly informed the US side after verification that the airship is for civilian use and entered the US due to force majeure – it was completely an accident."</p>

<p>“The US insisting on the use of force is an obvious overreaction and a serious violation of international practice. China will resolutely uphold the relevant company’s legitimate rights and interests, at the same time, reserving the right to take further actions in response,” said the Foreign Ministry statement in Beijing.</p>

<p>The Chinese authorities have denied that the balloon was for spying&nbsp;and said it was a weather ship blown astray.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US has shot down the giant Chinese spy balloon near the east coast that was said to have been spying on sensitive military sites across the country. The Department of Defense confirmed in a statement that the US fighter jets brought down the balloon over US territorial waters.

The US has shot down the giant Chinese spy balloon near the east coast that was said to have been spying on sensitive military sites across the country. The Department of Defense confirmed in a statement that the US fighter jets brought down the balloon over US territorial waters. "Today's deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President (Joe) Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC's unacceptable violation of our sovereignty," Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement. A US military official said that an F-22 fighter jet took the shot at 2:39 p.m. (local time), using a single AIM-9X supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile. The debris landed in 47ft (14m) of water – shallower than they had expected – near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Two naval ships have been dispatched to retrieve the debris which is said to have spread over 11km (7 miles). A clip shared on Twitter by a Reuters photographer showed a stream coming from a jet and hitting the balloon. According to the photographer, there was no explosion and it then began to fall. Incredible HD footage of the Chinese surveillance balloon being shot down. pic.twitter.com/K1GxdcJuH1 — Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) February 4, 2023 × US President Joe Biden had on Thursday vowed to shoot down the balloon ever since defence officials first announced that they were tracking it. After the balloon was shot down, Biden said, "They successfully took it down, and I want to compliment our aviators who did it." A few hours later, the Chinese foreign ministry reacted angrily to the incident as it warned of repercussions over America's use of force against its civilian unmanned airship. It said, “The Chinese side has repeatedly informed the US side after verification that the airship is for civilian use and entered the US due to force majeure – it was completely an accident." “The US insisting on the use of force is an obvious overreaction and a serious violation of international practice. China will resolutely uphold the relevant company’s legitimate rights and interests, at the same time, reserving the right to take further actions in response,” said the Foreign Ministry statement in Beijing. The Chinese authorities have denied that the balloon was for spying and said it was a weather ship blown astray. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon, Beijing reacts with threat of repercussions

The Pentagon has spotted a 'Chinese Spy Balloon' flying over Montana. What data was it collecting? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Is China's espionage entering the next phase?

<p>An explosion was reported in the sky over Billings city, Montana, where the alleged Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over a “number of sensitive sites”.&nbsp;The video shared on Twitter purportedly shows a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last seen.</p>

<p>Dolly Moore, who took video of the scene, said she “saw a plane go by so fast and then explode in the sky.”&nbsp; It was not immediately clear if the explosion was the spy balloon burst.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ok, so here’s what I just caught I few minutes ago out my window. I saw a jet go by so fast and then explosion in the sky. Holy crap! Billings MT. <a href="https://t.co/swr8ERC6pf">pic.twitter.com/swr8ERC6pf</a></p>
— Dolly Moore (@MMtTreasures) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMtTreasures/status/1621661908205195265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>WION could not verify the authenticity of the video.</strong></em></p>

<p>The US defence officials, however,&nbsp;clarified that the balloon over Montana has not exploded, according to the Daily Mail news outlet.</p>

<p>They said that the balloon, which is said to be about the size of three busies, is large enough that destroying it would rain down debris, risking the safety of people on the ground.</p>

<p>On Friday, US officials were alarmed over the giant Chinese balloon invading the US air space following which F-22 fight jets were mobilised to track the device&nbsp;as it hovered over Montana, which borders Canada.</p>

<h2><strong>Gravitas: Is China's espionage entering the next phase?</strong></h2>

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<p>According to local media, the balloon entered US airspace “a couple of days ago”, but the officials did not share the exact location.</p>

<p>“Montana plays a vital national security role by housing nuclear missile silos at Malmstrom AFB,” Montana Senator Steve Daines wrote to&nbsp;the Department of Defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinkens-trip-to-beijing-postponed-over-alleged-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-558653">&nbsp;Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace</a></p>

<p>“Given the increased hostility and destabilisation around the globe aimed at the United States and our allies, I am alarmed by the fact that this spy balloon was able to infiltrate the airspace of our country and Montana.”</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken postpones Beijing trip</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing over the weekend has been postponed in light of the spy balloon row, news agency AFP reported on Friday quoting a US official.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior State Department official told reporters that it has been determined that the visit would not be productive at this time under the current circumstances. The official also said that diplomatic channels will remain open and Blinken is planning&nbsp;to visit at the earliest opportunity when "conditions allow".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An explosion was reported in the sky over Billings city, Montana, where the alleged Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over a “number of sensitive sites”. The video shared on Twitter purportedly shows a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last seen.

An explosion was reported in the sky over Billings city, Montana, where the alleged Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over a “number of sensitive sites”. The video shared on Twitter purportedly shows a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last seen. Dolly Moore, who took video of the scene, said she “saw a plane go by so fast and then explode in the sky.” It was not immediately clear if the explosion was the spy balloon burst. Ok, so here’s what I just caught I few minutes ago out my window. I saw a jet go by so fast and then explosion in the sky. Holy crap! Billings MT. pic.twitter.com/swr8ERC6pf — Dolly Moore (@MMtTreasures) February 4, 2023 × WION could not verify the authenticity of the video. The US defence officials, however, clarified that the balloon over Montana has not exploded, according to the Daily Mail news outlet. They said that the balloon, which is said to be about the size of three busies, is large enough that destroying it would rain down debris, risking the safety of people on the ground. On Friday, US officials were alarmed over the giant Chinese balloon invading the US air space following which F-22 fight jets were mobilised to track the device as it hovered over Montana, which borders Canada. Gravitas: Is China's espionage entering the next phase? According to local media, the balloon entered US airspace “a couple of days ago”, but the officials did not share the exact location. “Montana plays a vital national security role by housing nuclear missile silos at Malmstrom AFB,” Montana Senator Steve Daines wrote to the Department of Defense. Also read | Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace “Given the increased hostility and destabilisation around the globe aimed at the United States and our allies, I am alarmed by the fact that this spy balloon was able to infiltrate the airspace of our country and Montana.” Blinken postpones Beijing trip Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing over the weekend has been postponed in light of the spy balloon row, news agency AFP reported on Friday quoting a US official. A senior State Department official told reporters that it has been determined that the visit would not be productive at this time under the current circumstances. The official also said that diplomatic channels will remain open and Blinken is planning to visit at the earliest opportunity when "conditions allow". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Was Chinese spy balloon taken down by the US? Here’s what happened

<p>The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's weekend visit to Beijing has been put off after the discovery of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace, news agency AFP reported on Friday (February 3) quoting a US official.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official said that the visit has been "postponed" which was expected to start on Friday after a Chinese spy balloon was tracked flying across the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior State Department official told reporters that officials have&nbsp;determined that the visit would not be productive at this time under the current circumstances. The official also said that diplomatic channels will remain open and Blinken is planning&nbsp;to visit at the earliest opportunity when "conditions allow".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspected spying object caused panic among US officials and concerns were also raised, with officials discussing the matter with their Chinese counterparts through diplomatic channels. A US official said, "We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-confirms-offer-of-two-year-moratorium-to-sri-lanka-on-loan-repayments-558581">China confirms offer of two-year moratorium to Sri Lanka on loan repayments</a>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, China responded late on Friday and expressed regrets over the "unintended entry of the airship into US airspace". China said it is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes and also vowed to maintain communications with America to properly handle the unexpected situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The balloon has been spotted in Billings, Montana, approximately 6,000 miles from China but the Chinese claimed that the balloon "deviated far from its planned course" because of strong winds and a lack of steering ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement:&nbsp;"The airship is from China. It is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes. The Chinese side regrets the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace due to force majeure."&nbsp;</p>

<p>US fighter jets were scrambled after the balloon was spotted but the military leaders asked US President Joe Biden to not shoot it&nbsp;down. Biden accepted the advice after fears were raised over the possibility that its debris could pose a safety threat.</p>

<p>According to Reuters, one of the officials told reporters on condition of anonymity that piloted US military aircraft were scrambled by the US to take "custody" of the balloon when it entered US airspace and also observed it.&nbsp;</p>

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The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's weekend visit to Beijing has been put off after the discovery of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace, news agency AFP reported on Friday (February 3) quoting a US official.

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's weekend visit to Beijing has been put off after the discovery of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace, news agency AFP reported on Friday (February 3) quoting a US official. The official said that the visit has been "postponed" which was expected to start on Friday after a Chinese spy balloon was tracked flying across the US. A senior State Department official told reporters that officials have determined that the visit would not be productive at this time under the current circumstances. The official also said that diplomatic channels will remain open and Blinken is planning to visit at the earliest opportunity when "conditions allow". The suspected spying object caused panic among US officials and concerns were also raised, with officials discussing the matter with their Chinese counterparts through diplomatic channels. A US official said, "We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue." ALSO READ | China confirms offer of two-year moratorium to Sri Lanka on loan repayments However, China responded late on Friday and expressed regrets over the "unintended entry of the airship into US airspace". China said it is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes and also vowed to maintain communications with America to properly handle the unexpected situation. The balloon has been spotted in Billings, Montana, approximately 6,000 miles from China but the Chinese claimed that the balloon "deviated far from its planned course" because of strong winds and a lack of steering ability. Watch this report: × A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "The airship is from China. It is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes. The Chinese side regrets the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace due to force majeure." US fighter jets were scrambled after the balloon was spotted but the military leaders asked US President Joe Biden to not shoot it down. Biden accepted the advice after fears were raised over the possibility that its debris could pose a safety threat. According to Reuters, one of the officials told reporters on condition of anonymity that piloted US military aircraft were scrambled by the US to take "custody" of the balloon when it entered US airspace and also observed it. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace

<p>Chinese foreign ministry has responded to the suspected spy balloon, which has been flying over the United States for a couple of days, saying that the balloon was a civilian "airship" used for research, mainly meteorological purposes. Beijing also expressed regret over the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement late on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry also said that it will continue to maintain communications with the United States to properly handle the unexpected situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement:&nbsp;"The airship is from China. It is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes. The Chinese side regrets the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace due to force majeure."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-confirms-offer-of-two-year-moratorium-to-sri-lanka-on-loan-repayments-558581">China confirms offer of two-year moratorium to Sri Lanka on loan repayments</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Officials in the US raised concerns over the flying balloon as the incident happened just days ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned trip to Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies reported that fighter jets were also mobilised but military leaders asked US President Joe Biden to not shoot the balloon&nbsp;down as&nbsp;the debris could pose a safety threat. US officials said that Biden accepted the advice, but authorities continued to monitor it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As noted by Reuters, one of the officials told reporters on condition of anonymity that piloted US military aircraft were sent by the US to take "custody" of the balloon when it entered US airspace and also observed it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Amid simmering tensions between the US and China, the incident also highlights the possibilities and lengths to which Beijing and Washington have been willing to go to spy on each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some experts and media reports even pointed out the feasibility of using the so-called balloon for possible spying, as there are advanced methods for that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters: "The balloon is currently travelling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese foreign ministry has responded to the suspected spy balloon, which has been flying over the United States for a couple of days, saying that the balloon was a civilian "airship" used for research, mainly meteorological purposes.

Chinese foreign ministry has responded to the suspected spy balloon, which has been flying over the United States for a couple of days, saying that the balloon was a civilian "airship" used for research, mainly meteorological purposes. Beijing also expressed regret over the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace. In a statement late on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry also said that it will continue to maintain communications with the United States to properly handle the unexpected situation. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "The airship is from China. It is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes. The Chinese side regrets the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace due to force majeure." ALSO READ | China confirms offer of two-year moratorium to Sri Lanka on loan repayments Officials in the US raised concerns over the flying balloon as the incident happened just days ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned trip to Beijing. News agencies reported that fighter jets were also mobilised but military leaders asked US President Joe Biden to not shoot the balloon down as the debris could pose a safety threat. US officials said that Biden accepted the advice, but authorities continued to monitor it. As noted by Reuters, one of the officials told reporters on condition of anonymity that piloted US military aircraft were sent by the US to take "custody" of the balloon when it entered US airspace and also observed it. Watch this report: × Amid simmering tensions between the US and China, the incident also highlights the possibilities and lengths to which Beijing and Washington have been willing to go to spy on each other. However, some experts and media reports even pointed out the feasibility of using the so-called balloon for possible spying, as there are advanced methods for that. Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters: "The balloon is currently travelling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Beijing says balloon in US airspace is its civilian ‘airship’ for research, regrets airspace breach

<p>The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the country for a couple of days, a senior defence official in the Pentagon said&nbsp;on Thursday. The citing of the Chinese spy balloon might prove to be another thorn in the US-China relationship.</p>

<p>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials thought about&nbsp;shooting the balloon down over Montana but decided not to go ahead as the debris might endanger people on the ground, a senior defence official told reporters Thursday.</p>

<p>Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the Pentagon has been tracking the balloon for several days as it travelled over the northern United States.</p>

<p>"The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now," Ryder told reporters.</p>

<p>“We are confident that this high-altitude surveillance balloon belongs to the (People’s Republic of China),” he added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Does the balloon pose any security threat?</strong></p>

<p>"The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground," Ryder said.</p>

<p>Ryder further said that the balloon's path would carry it over a number of sensitive sites, although the risk of any significant intelligence loss is not currently present. Notably, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana is home to 150 intercontinental ballistic missile silos.</p>

<p>“It does not create significant value added over and above what the PRC is likely able to collect through things like satellites in low Earth orbit,” Ryder said, referring to the fact that Chinese spy satellites in low Earth orbit can offer similar or better intelligence.</p>

<p><strong>Balloon was over Montana when the officials thought of shooting it down</strong></p>

<p>US military leaders had contemplated shooting the spy balloon down over Montana on Wednesday, but decided against it fearing safety risk from the debris.</p>

<p>The military had even mobilised assets, including F-22 fighter jets, in case Biden ordered the balloon be shot down.</p>

<p>"We wanted to make sure we were coordinating with civil authorities to empty out the airspace around that potential area," the official said.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-canada-not-to-engage-in-political-manipulation-over-uyghur-muslims-558205">China urges Canada not to engage in 'political manipulation' over Uyghur Muslims</a></p>

<p>"But even with those protective measures taken, it was the judgment of our military commanders that we didn't drive the risk down low enough. So we didn't take the shot."</p>

<p><strong>Blinken's visit to China</strong></p>

<p>The news comes just days before&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visit to China. Managing heightened tensions between the two powers is at the top of the agenda.</p>

<p>Blinken’s visit to Beijing will mark the first trip to the Asian country by the United States’ top diplomat since 2018.&nbsp;Last November, Biden had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit.</p>

<p>Relations between China and the United States have been tense of late, clashing over Taiwan, China's human rights record and its military activity in the South China Sea.</p>

<p>US officials have conveyed the surveillance balloon issue to their Chinese counterparts in Beijing and in Washington.</p>

<p>"We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue," the official added.</p>

<p><strong>China reaction</strong></p>

<p>Reacting to the report, China said Friday that it was working to verify the facts around the claims that Beijing flew a spy balloon over the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Verification is under way," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing. "Until the facts are clear, making conjectures and hyping up the issue will not help to properly resolve it."</p>

<p>"China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the country for a couple of days, a senior defence official in the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the country for a couple of days, a senior defence official in the Pentagon said on Thursday. The citing of the Chinese spy balloon might prove to be another thorn in the US-China relationship. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials thought about shooting the balloon down over Montana but decided not to go ahead as the debris might endanger people on the ground, a senior defence official told reporters Thursday. Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the Pentagon has been tracking the balloon for several days as it travelled over the northern United States. "The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now," Ryder told reporters. “We are confident that this high-altitude surveillance balloon belongs to the (People’s Republic of China),” he added. × Does the balloon pose any security threat? "The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground," Ryder said. Ryder further said that the balloon's path would carry it over a number of sensitive sites, although the risk of any significant intelligence loss is not currently present. Notably, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana is home to 150 intercontinental ballistic missile silos. “It does not create significant value added over and above what the PRC is likely able to collect through things like satellites in low Earth orbit,” Ryder said, referring to the fact that Chinese spy satellites in low Earth orbit can offer similar or better intelligence. Balloon was over Montana when the officials thought of shooting it down US military leaders had contemplated shooting the spy balloon down over Montana on Wednesday, but decided against it fearing safety risk from the debris. The military had even mobilised assets, including F-22 fighter jets, in case Biden ordered the balloon be shot down. "We wanted to make sure we were coordinating with civil authorities to empty out the airspace around that potential area," the official said. Also Read | China urges Canada not to engage in 'political manipulation' over Uyghur Muslims "But even with those protective measures taken, it was the judgment of our military commanders that we didn't drive the risk down low enough. So we didn't take the shot." Blinken's visit to China The news comes just days before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visit to China. Managing heightened tensions between the two powers is at the top of the agenda. Blinken’s visit to Beijing will mark the first trip to the Asian country by the United States’ top diplomat since 2018. Last November, Biden had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Relations between China and the United States have been tense of late, clashing over Taiwan, China's human rights record and its military activity in the South China Sea. US officials have conveyed the surveillance balloon issue to their Chinese counterparts in Beijing and in Washington. "We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue," the official added. China reaction Reacting to the report, China said Friday that it was working to verify the facts around the claims that Beijing flew a spy balloon over the US. "Verification is under way," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing. "Until the facts are clear, making conjectures and hyping up the issue will not help to properly resolve it." "China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country," she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Suspected Chinese spy balloon flying over the US being tracked, Pentagon says