Concerns Over US-China Conflict Arise Again Due to Chinese Reconnaissance Balloon... Blinken's China Visit Postponed

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The U.S. government abruptly postponed Secretary of State Tony Blinken's visit to China on the day of departure, the 3rd (local time), citing a Chinese reconnaissance balloon detected over the U.S. mainland airspace. Concerns are emerging that tensions between the two countries, which had seemed to ease gradually following the U.S.-China summit in November last year, may escalate again.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A senior U.S. State Department official officially announced in a phone briefing that Secretary Blinken's visit to China was postponed due to the Chinese reconnaissance balloon incident. The official stated, "Secretary Blinken was prepared to depart for Beijing tonight to discuss a wide range of issues, including overall bilateral relations, but after consultations with departments and Congress, it was concluded that this is not an appropriate time for the visit."

The official confirmed that Secretary Blinken informed Wang Yi, Director of the Communist Party Central Foreign Affairs Office, of this fact earlier that morning. The official also added that Secretary Blinken plans to visit China at the earliest possible opportunity when conditions permit.

Earlier, the U.S. announced that it detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon over its mainland airspace, which appears to be Chinese. The U.S. considers the presence of the reconnaissance balloon in its airspace a clear violation of international law and sovereignty. In response, China expressed regret, stating that it is a civilian aircraft used for meteorological and scientific research purposes. This was interpreted as meaning there was no intention to enter U.S. airspace.

However, when asked whether the U.S. trusts China's claim that the device is civilian, a State Department official said, "We have confidence in our assessment of the situation and the Department of Defense's statement." This effectively indicates a refusal to accept the Chinese government's explanation.

Secretary Blinken had planned to visit China for follow-up discussions after the U.S.-China summit. At the U.S.-China summit in November last year, President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping reaffirmed differences on Taiwan and other issues but agreed to resume cooperation in some areas. However, just before the visit, the reconnaissance balloon issue has raised concerns that tensions between the U.S. and China may escalate again. A State Department official said, "We will continue to strive to maintain open channels with China at all times."