The eerie discovery of a Chinese made reconnaissance balloon over the continental United States sparked tensions between the two giants.
The worst mistake of the year or the worst intelligence operation of the XXI century. Either way, the reconnaissance balloon found above the continental United States is fueling further animosity between America and China.
The balloon, spotted on Friday above the clouds of Montana, is believed to be Chinese made. American F-22 jet fighters are ready on the ground to shoot the balloon down, though no action has been taken yet. The White House provided that risk to civilians must be assessed first.
The Pentagon is divided between those who believe this is a deliberate attack against the United States and those who think it was a mishap.
Because the balloon flew over military facilities, including the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, many think it was set on a purposeful path. On the other hand, some pointed out that such an attack would be highly provocative for little to no value.
Indeed, it is possible that the balloon was deployed in the Indo-Pacific area, only then striving away following winds and air trails. Though it must also be said that the balloon is flying above commercial airspace.
For their part, China denies any wrongdoing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China has “no intention of violating the territory and airspace of any sovereign country”.
“As for the balloon,” Mao continued, “we are looking into and verifying the situation and hope that both sides can handle this together calmly and carefully”.
Blinken visit to China
The surveillance balloon crisis comes ahead of a crucial official visit in China. Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State, will visit Beijing in the following days, the highest American official to do so for this administration.
China and the United States already met at the highest level during the Bali G20 meeting. US president Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping talked behind closed doors about cooperation between the two countries.
Blinken’s visit will continue on this line: discussion will devolve on Taiwan, chips and trade. Joe Biden said that it is necessary to avoid another Cold War at all costs.
The question is whether or not this Cold War is inevitable. Blinken’s visit comes the week after the United States confirmed the construction of new military bases in the Philippines, precisely aimed at contrasting China.
Further, the Biden administration itself put a ban on American corporations from trading chips with China. This will surely impair general trade between the two countries, regardless of whatever agreement they can find.
Diplomatic cooperation is surely a good step, but it could be too little too late.
