China has threatened to respond after the US shot down the second Chinese spy balloon. The US recently shot down the second Chinese balloon that was spotted over Latin America. US officials advised not to shoot down the first balloon as it could hurt the civilian population. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken also cancelled the two-day visit to China that was due to take place on Sunday.
Weather Research Balloon
When the first balloon was spotted, the US military officials said it was spying on the American population and sensitive infrastructure. The first Chinese spy balloon was spotted over Canada and then over Montana. Chinese officials said the balloon was for weather research purposes and said it mistakenly entered the US airspace.
Violating International Practice
China condemned the shooting down of its civilian balloon and said the action seriously violated International practice. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the US was overreacting to something which didn’t pose any threat and was unintentional.
