Top Stories

Breaking! US halts Blinken China visit after spy balloon row

Mr Blinken was expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, and potentially with President Xi Jinping.

Advertisement

The visit would have come amid fraying tensions between the two countries.

China has said the balloon is used for meteorological research and deviated from its route because of bad weather.

Advertisement

A statement from China’s Foreign Ministry said that it “regrets” the incident and will work with the US to resolve the issue.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, a senior state department official said that the conditions were not right for Mr Blinken to visit China, but that another trip would be planned “at the earliest opportunity”.

Advertisement

The official added that Washington planned to maintain “open lines of communication” about the incident, which was described as “a clear violation” of US sovereignty.

While the official said that the US had acknowledged China’s claim about the balloon’s purpose, it stands by the Department of Defense assessment that it was being used for surveillance.

Advertisement

Mr Blinken’s visit was expected to take place on 5 and 6 February.

A US official quoted by the Associated Press said that the decision to abruptly halt the trip was made by Mr Blinken and President Joe Biden.

Advertisement
citynews

Recent Posts

BBNaija’s Dorathy goes naughty on her birthday(Photos)

Dorathy Bachor has put her massive cleavage on display as she turns a year older.…

10 hours ago

I didn’t lose 2023 election, you stole it – Atiku to Tinubu

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has insisted that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election…

10 hours ago

Breaking: Tinubu Directs Release Of Minors Arraigned For Hunger Protests

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, directed the immediate release of all the minors who were…

11 hours ago

Eniola Ajao reveals why she nearly poisoned herself

Eniola Ajao, a popular Yoruba actress and filmmaker has revealed how fake news on social…

13 hours ago

Agatha Amata releases new photos on her 55th birthday

Agatha Amata is celebrating her 55th birthday today Taking to X to celebrate her new age,…

13 hours ago

Legendary music producer, Quincy Jones d!es at 91

Legendary American music producer, Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91.    …

14 hours ago