China threatens US organizations over downing of suspected spy balloon

BEIJING – China said on Wednesday it would take action against US organizations linked to the downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon off America’s east coast.

At the daily briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin did not provide details or state the purpose of the measures.

China says the balloon was an unmanned meteorological airship that accidentally veered off course and accuses the US of overreacting to its fall with a missile fired from an F-22 fighter jet.

After the balloon was shot down on Feb. 4, the United States imposed sanctions on six Chinese companies that it says are linked to Beijing’s aerospace programs.

The U.S. House of Representatives subsequently voted unanimously to condemn China for a “brazen violation” of U.S. sovereignty and attempts to “deceive the international community with false claims about its intelligence-gathering campaigns.” Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also canceled a visit to Beijing that many had hoped would stabilize relations that have faltered amid disputes over trade, human rights, Taiwan and China’s claim to the South China Sea.

While China denies the balloon was a military asset, it has yet to say which government department or company is responsible.

After initially deploring the balloon’s entry into US airspace, China has responded to accusations of espionage against Washington, along with threats of retaliation.

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“China strongly opposes this and will take countermeasures in accordance with the law against relevant US entities that undermine China’s sovereignty and security,” Wang said at a briefing on Wednesday.

China will “resolutely defend national sovereignty and its legitimate rights and interests,” Wang said.

Also on Wednesday, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said the Chinese balloon invasion was part of Beijing’s aggressive behavior pattern.

Emanuel noted China’s recent targeting of a military laser on a Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat, Chinese aircraft harassing US aircraft, and China’s opening of illegal police stations in the US, Ireland and other countries.

“For me, the balloon is not an isolated case,” said Emanuel.

If China wants to be a respected member of the international community, “then you act according to some basic principles, that is, you don’t open police stations in other countries without knowing their laws, as if your laws have no boundaries,” he said.

“These are not exactly the qualities and characteristics of the Good Neighbor Policy,” the ambassador said, referring to China’s contacts with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan’s defense ministry said Tuesday that at least three flying objects seen in Japanese airspace since 2019 were believed to be Chinese spy balloons. It stated that they protested and demanded an explanation from Beijing.

Senior lawmakers in Japan’s ruling party said on Wednesday they are considering expanding the law on the Self-Defense Forces to also include violations of Japanese airspace by foreign balloons.

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Tokyo-based Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report.