Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, cancelled his visit to Beijing over the weekend after a “spy” balloon was discovered over U.S. air space late January. The balloon made its over Alaska, through Canada, and continued across the U.S. until it was shot down over the Atlantic ocean. Hesitancy to shoot down the balloon came from concern over civilian safety on the ground. Hopefully the remains of the balloon will be collected to be able to accurately identify the purpose of the balloon.
Chinese officials reported that the balloon was an unmanned, civilian weather balloon that changed its course due to weather that was out of their control. National media painted a very different picture, claiming the balloon was spying on military bases across the country without any substantial evidence to support the claim. In fact, instead of visiting Beijing to receive some sort of clarification on the balloon’s purpose, the Secretary of State cancels his trip due to the narrative that the balloon invaded U.S. sovereignty and airspace, closing the window for any diplomatic resolutions.
China reported their disappointment in the U.S. shooting down a civilian balloon. China stated the U.S.’s decision to shoot down the balloon was an “overreaction” and a violation of international practice. The Chinese government also mentioned it will “make further responses if necessary”. Tensions between the U.S. and China are already high, especially after former House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taiwan last year. A strong U.S. ally that provides microchips for U.S. businesses and military capabilities.
Is there any path for peace talks and cooperation between the U.S. and China? The national media doesn’t seem to think so as it broadcasted the narrative of a “spy” balloon invading U.S. territory with malicious intent to spy on military installations. A “spy” balloon, that can be seen with the naked eye. Doesn’t sound very covert to me. Considering China has other methods to carry out covert operations that wouldn’t catch the public eye.
This is not the first instance of a balloon floating over U.S. territory. Three spy balloons transited over the U.S. under the Trump administration. This was discovered only after Biden’s administration took office. So…why is this particular balloon so important? It’s not. The significance of this balloon is rooted in it being from China, a U.S. competitor. A simple weather balloon can be casted as invasive to lower public opinion on China and its motivations, stirring the pot for a potential conflict in the future. Tensions are high enough as is. And with the Secretary of State cancelling his visit to Beijing, I don’t see any attempts at diplomacy or further cooperation in the future. The relationship between the U.S. and China is very significant for not just U.S. and Chinese citizens, but for every person involved in the highly connected world we live in now. Peace and cooperation among nuclear powers should be at the top of the list of priorities.