According to Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing remains attentive to the issue and hopes that “both parties can handle it together, calmly and very carefully.”

The official asked politicians and the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until they have a clear understanding of the facts.

However, she confirmed that China is a responsible country, has always complied with international laws and has no intention of violating the territory nor airspace of any sovereign state.

Mao’s statements respond to a US report on the presence of a Chinese high-altitude balloon flying over “sensitive sites to collect information”, such as in Montana, where an important nuclear base is located.

A Pentagon official confirmed that they are monitoring the device, it is well above commercial air traffic and at the moment it does not represent a danger to the military nor civilian sector on the ground. He also stated that they decided not to shoot it for fear of causing injury to the population, but notified President Joe Biden about it.

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