China said on Monday that U.S. high-altitude balloons had flown over its airspace without permission greater than 10 times for the reason that starting of 2022, widening a diplomatic row after the U.S. military shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon.
“Since last 12 months, the U.S.’s high-altitude balloons have undergone greater than 10 illegal flights into Chinese airspace without the approval of the relevant Chinese departments,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at an everyday briefing in Beijing in response to an issue.
Wang didn’t specifically describe the balloons as military or for espionage purposes and didn’t provide further details.
Asked how China had responded to such incursions into its airspace, Wang said its responses had been “responsible and skilled.”
The U.S. defense department didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
China’s assertion comes after america shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4 after it had drifted across the continental United States for days.
In resposne to the Chinese balloon, america postponed a visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
China says the balloon was a civilian research craft that had mistakenly blown off target and accused america of overreacting.
“The very first thing the U.S. side should do is to take a look at itself, to vary its ways, to not smear and incite confrontation,” Wang said.
In recent days, the U.S. military has shot down three other flying objects over North America.
Wang said he had no information on the newest three objects shot down by america.
