BREAKING: China admits ownership of another balloon over Latin America
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has admitted that another balloon currently flying over Latin America came from China.
Addressing media in Beijing, a spokesperson said the balloon is an “unmanned airship of a civilian nature,” which was being used for flight tests and “seriously deviated” from the planned route.
Selina Wang, a correspondent for CNN, said she was told in the press conference that the incident was the result of a “mistake”.
“Affected by weather forces in addition to its manoeuvrability being limited, the airship deviated greatly from its expected course, and accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace,” said spokesperson Mao Ning.
“China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law.
“We have communicated with the relevant parties and are handling appropriately, and will not cause any threat to any country.”
Previously, one of China’s most senior journalists had highlighted an ominous sentence in a new statement from China’s Ministry of Defense following the shooting down of a suspected spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
Hu Xijin, the former editor of Chinese state media outlet ‘Global Times‘, points out that China has “reserved the right to use necessary means to deal with similar situations”.
Xijin then went on to explain that would mean if any unregistered aircraft was to enter Chinese airspace without warning, then the United States should expect similar consequences.