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BEIJING: China said on Monday that US high altitude balloons had flown over its airspace without permission over 10 times since the beginning of 2022, drawing a swift denial from Washington. China’s accusation widened a dispute with US that began last weekend after the US military shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon.
“Since last year, US’ high-altitude balloons have undergone more than 10 illegal flights into Chinese airspace without the approval of the relevant Chinese departments,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Wang did not specifically describe the balloons as military or for espionage purposes and did not provide further details. Asked how China had responded to such incursions, Wang said its responses had been “responsible and professional”. White House national security spokesman John Kirby denied China’s accusation. “Not true. Not doing it. Just absolutely not true,” he said. “We are not flying balloons over China.” The defence department did not comment.
“Since last year, US’ high-altitude balloons have undergone more than 10 illegal flights into Chinese airspace without the approval of the relevant Chinese departments,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Wang did not specifically describe the balloons as military or for espionage purposes and did not provide further details. Asked how China had responded to such incursions, Wang said its responses had been “responsible and professional”. White House national security spokesman John Kirby denied China’s accusation. “Not true. Not doing it. Just absolutely not true,” he said. “We are not flying balloons over China.” The defence department did not comment.
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