Another 'Chinese spy balloon' detected over Latin America, says USA after China's 'research ship' defence

A face-off between the United States of America and China over alleged spy balloons continued on 3 February 2023.

USA's Pentagon claimed that another Chinese surveillance balloon was transiting Latin America. This claim came a day after Washington claimed to have detected a Chinese spy balloon the size of three buses in its airspace.

In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his trip to Beijing, even as China claimed that the balloon was a civilian airship meant for research. The Chinese government said that the balloon had deviated from its planned course.

"China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country," Beijing said.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman Ryder said the balloon is travelling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground.

(With agency inputs)

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