BEIJING: China refused to hold a telephone conversation with the United States (US) Defense Chief after accusing Washington of making an irresponsible decision to shoot down its surveillance balloon last week.
China’s Ministry of Defense said that the US action failed to create a good atmosphere for dialogue or exchange involving the two countries’ armies.
“The US insists on using harsh measures that violate international practice.
“China has the right to use any means to deal with this situation,” he said in a statement.
Joe Biden’s administration last week shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon device as it floated off the coast of South Carolina claiming it was being used by the republic for surveillance purposes.
Beijing confirmed that the balloon was from its country and insisted that it was only for public use.
Following the incident, Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his visit to Beijing after accusing China of polluting US sovereignty.
Blinken said he tried to communicate with China, but a Pentagon spokesman informed Beijing that Beijing refused to accept an invitation to hold a telephone conversation between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his counterpart, Wei Fenghe, after the incident. – AFP
Source : Bharian
