China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that a balloon spotted over Latin America last week belongs to China – for the same reason as the suspected spy balloon shot down off the coast of the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said the unmanned ball was made in China, but said it was “of a civilian nature and was used for flight testing.”
“Due to weather conditions and limited autopilot capabilities, the airship deviated significantly from its planned course and entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace,” Mao said.
that is Same explanation as China provided An unmanned ball was spotted over the United States late last week.
Pentagon officials said the first balloon was shot down Saturday afternoon off the coast of South Carolina, It was most likely a surveillance device.
U.S. Department of Defense official The balloon found over Latin America is also said to be a surveillance balloon.
Mao Zedong said China has discussed ballooning with Latin American countries.
“China is a responsible country and always acts in strict accordance with international law. We have informed the relevant parties. It has been properly handled and does not pose a threat to any country.”
Mao Zedong also spoke reports that a Chinese spy balloon flew over the United States while former President Donald Trump was in office.
“I pointed out that Trump denied three allegations that China flew surveillance balloons over the United States during the Trump administration,” Mao said.
Read the original article at business insider