Blinken postpones China trip over suspected spy balloon

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a diplomatic visit to China after a high-altitude Chinese balloon was spotted over the US.

Blinken’s abrupt decision on Friday to delay the trip came just hours before he had been due to depart Washington for Beijing.

A US official said Blinken and President Joe Biden determined it was best not to proceed with the trip at this time.

The balloon has been flying over US skies for a few days now.

US defense officials said they believed the balloon was used “for surveillance.” But China’s foreign ministry said it was used for “mainly meteorological” purposes.

More to follow…

lo/jcg (AP, Reuters)

Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/blinken-postpones-china-trip-over-suspected-spy-balloon/a-64606906?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf