A Pentagon spokesman confirmed that China is conducting large-scale reconnaissance operations by flying balloons over the United States and around the world.
The US government is sharing information about Chinese balloons with other countries.
The Pentagon has said at least four balloons have been seen in US airspace since the Trump administration, in connection with the military's downing of a Chinese balloon that crossed the US mainland on Monday. I'm explaining.
At a press conference on the 8th, Pentagon spokesman Ryder said that the past four balloon flights were "flying over places that China was interested in," and that in addition to the United States, East Asia and Southeast Asia , Central and South America, and Europe.
And he said, "It's a large-scale plan by China using balloons for reconnaissance," indicating that China has been conducting large-scale reconnaissance activities for several years.
Secretary of State Brinken: China must act responsibly
At a press conference on the 8th, Secretary of State Brinken also mentioned China's balloons, saying, "We are already sharing information with dozens of countries around the world," and added, "We call on China to act responsibly." He called on the Chinese government to abide by international law and stop violating its sovereignty.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg also attended the press conference and expressed a sense of caution, saying, "We need to recognize the dangers of China's intelligence activities and strengthen self-defense measures." rice field.
Former President Trump 'exposed vulnerability to the world'
On the other hand, the opposition party and the Republican Party are increasing criticism of the Biden administration over its response to China's balloon.
"Biden has shown weakness to the world by allowing a reconnaissance balloon to collect as much intelligence as he wants before shooting it down," former President Trump said in a statement. bottom.
In addition, Republican Rep. McCall, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told American media, "China sent a very provocative object into the United States to test us. I don't know why I didn't shoot down the balloon before it entered US airspace off the coast of Alaska," questioning the Biden administration's response.
"The Chinese military will not go against the wishes of President Xi Jinping. I believe that this incident probably occurred as a result of President Xi's decision," he said.
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate will hold a public hearing on the 9th, calling Deputy Secretary of State Sherman and others, and the Republican Party is poised to pursue the responsibility of the Biden administration.