The Chinese government confirmed on Monday that a Chinese hot air balloon had flown over Latin America and the Caribbean, adding that it was for civilian use and was being used for test flights.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said: “Affected by the weather and limited self-control, the hot air balloon deviated from the scheduled course and entered US airspace. Latin and the Caribbean”. said at a press conference on Monday.
On Friday morning, in front of the United States shoot In a statement, the Colombian National Air Defense Force said in a statement that, while downing a Chinese spy balloon that had flown over the country last week, the Colombian National Air Defense System detected a The object has entered the northern part of the country’s airspace.
Officials determined that the object had “characteristics similar to a balloon” and that it was flying at an altitude of over 55,000 feet and traveling at an average speed of 25 knots.
On Saturday, the United States confirmed that a hot air balloon was observed passing over Central and South America, and said it was another Chinese surveillance balloon.
“These balloons are all part of the PRC balloon fleet developed to conduct surveillance activities, which have also violated the sovereignty of other countries,” said Brig. General Patrick S. Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, told reporters.
The Colombian Air Force said it tracked the object until it left the country’s airspace, adding that officials determined it did not pose a threat to national security. and is investigating its origin.
On Sunday, Venezuela’s foreign ministry, referring to the US decision to shoot down the hot air balloon on Friday, said the government “refutes the US attack on a civilian drone that has originated in China.” in one declare“Once again, the United States used force, rather than treating this situation with the seriousness and responsibility it deserves,” the Venezuelan government said.
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela recently proposed the creation of a new international bloc of Latin American and Caribbean countries and introduce to President Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir V. Putin of Russia because each is the “big brother”.
Ning said that the Chinese government had informed relevant officials in other countries about the balloon’s flight over Latin America and that “they have expressed their understanding.”
Ms. Ning said the US had “a clear overreaction.”
Elda Cantu Contribution reports from Mexico City.
