Antony Blinken suspends his trip to Beijing amid controversy over the sighting of an alleged spy balloon in the United States

in a moment of tensions between China and the United Statesthe visit of Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State to Beijing was going to be key in the relations of both countries. Nevertheless, the trip was suspended after the sighting of an alleged spy balloon in North American territory.

The balloon was identified by the Pentagon this week, but they decided not to shoot it down so as not to endanger US citizens.

Although China initially rejected the accusations and asked “not to speculate”, it ended up admitting that the flying object was its own, but He assured that it was a device used for meteorological investigations.

Canada also detected the alleged spy balloon, while China admits that the object belongs to it

U.S. Department of Defense officials said the U.S. recognizes “China’s repentance statement” but the balloon’s presence in its airspace is “unacceptable” and a “clear violation” of its sovereignty.

Given the situation, Antony Blinken temporarily suspended his trip to China. “The secretary informed the director of the (China) Foreign Affairs Office this morning, Wang Yi, that the trip had to be postponed,” officials detailed in a call with journalists.

“Our clear assessment is that under these circumstances it would not be constructive to visit Beijing nowbut we reiterate that it is a postponement”, they explained. In addition, Blinken assured Wang that he would resume the trip plan “as soon as possible when conditions allow.”

In a statement issued late on Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has also stated that will continue to maintain communication with the United States to properly handle the unexpected situation.

Diverted, according to China

currently the globe flies “at an altitude well above commercial air traffic” and “poses no military or physical threat to people on the ground”Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement Thursday.

According to US media, the balloon flew over the Aleutian Islands in the north Pacific Ocean and Canada before entering US airspace several days ago.

Specifically flew over the state of Montana, which is home to nuclear missile facilitieswhere fighter jets were mobilized and approached it, a Pentagon official who requested anonymity reported.

It was decided not to tear it down, because of the risks potential debris poses to people on the ground, he added, calling its ability to gather information “limited.” (YO)