China Says It’s Looking Into , US Spy Balloon Report.
'The Hill' and other news agencies report that "a high-altitude surveillance balloon" was seen over Montana on Feb.
1.
The U.S. government confirmed the sighting on Feb.
2.
The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now.
, Brig.
Gen.
Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesperson, via 'The Hill'.
The U.S. government… continues to track and monitor it closely, Brig.
Gen.
Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesperson, via 'The Hill'.
Pentagon spokesperson Brig.
Gen.
Pat Ryder also said that the government "acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information.".
Many have called for the government to shoot down the balloon.
However, top military leaders have advised "not to take kinetic action due to the risk to safety and security of people on the ground from the possible debris field.".
On Feb.
3., Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued a statement.
We have noted relevant reports and are looking into and verifying the situation, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via 'The Hill'.
What I want to emphasize is that before we have a clear understanding of the facts, speculations and sensationalization will do no good to resolving the problem properly, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via 'The Hill'.
China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international laws, and China has no intention of violating the territory and airspace of any sovereign country, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via 'The Hill'
