WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Archyde.com) – The United States briefed diplomats from 40 countries regarding a Chinese reconnaissance balloon that entered U.S. airspace in late January, senior U.S. officials and diplomatic sources said.
Briefings were held at the US embassies in Washington and Beijing. Deputy Secretary of State Sherman provided information to regarding 150 diplomats from 40 countries on the 6th, and a briefing was held at the US Embassy in Beijing on the 6th and 7th.
“We want to share as much information as possible with other countries,” said a senior U.S. government official.
The State Department also provided information to senior U.S. government officials in various countries to share information with allies and partners.
A diplomat who attended a briefing in Beijing said the US said the balloons were not for weather observation, as China claimed, but were reconnaissance airships and were controlled by the People’s Liberation Army.
The balloon was fitted with solar panels, which turned out to require more power than a weather balloon, he said. The flight path did not follow the natural wind flow and was fitted with rudders and propellers.
An Asian diplomat stationed in Beijing said, “In addition to the explanation from the United States, given that China has not disclosed the name of the company or organization that owns the balloon, it is difficult to believe that it was a private meteorological balloon.” pointed out.
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