WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed visit to China that had been expected to start yesterday after Chinese spy balloon was tracked flying across United States in what US officials called "Clear violation" of US sovereignty. "After consultations with our interagency partners as well as with Congress, we have concluded that conditions are not right at this moment for Secretary Blinken to travel to China," senior State Department official told reporters. "We have noted Peoples' Republic of China statement of regret, but presence of this balloon in our airspace is clear violation of our sovereignty as well as international law and it is unacceptable that this has occurred," official said.

"Secretary conveyed to director of Central Foreign Affairs Office Wang Yi earlier this morning, that trip would need to be postponed. But secretary indicated that he would plan to travel to PRC at earliest opportunity when conditions allow." ABC News earlier cited US official as saying Blinken did not want to blow situation out of proportion by cancelling his visit but also did not want balloon incident to dominate his meetings with Chinese officials. China expressed regret that "Civilian" airship had strayed into US territory after being blown off course, an incident that sparked a political furore in United States.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 04 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.