Republicans insist Biden stop ‘appeasing’ China and shoot down spy balloon

A handful of Republican lawmakers are calling on President Biden to quickly shoot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over Montana.

“President Biden needs to stop pampering and appeasing the Chinese Communists,” Nebraska Senator Tom Cotton tweeted. “Now deflate the balloon and take advantage of its tech package, which could be a bonanza of exploration.”

GOP rips Biden apart after alleged Chinese spy balloon was found floating over US

“Shoot. It. Down,” tweeted Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana. “The Chinese spy balloon is a clear provocation. In Montana, we don’t bow. We bring it down.

“Biden must immediately shoot down the Chinese spy balloon,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, of Georgia, tweeted Thursday. “President Trump would never allow that. President Trump would never allow a lot of things to happen to America.”

The comments follow reports that Biden followed instructions not to shoot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon because his administration does not view it as an immediate military threat. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said another factor in the decision is the possibility that debris could harm civilians and destroy property as it falls from the sky.

‘SSHOT IT DOWN’: Montana Republican Party Demands Biden Take Down Alleged Chinese Spy Balloon Hovering Above Us For Days

President Biden reportedly followed instructions not to shoot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon because his administration does not view it as an immediate military threat.
(Anna Moneymaker)

Chinese officials said they were investigating the balloon and advised both countries to act “calmly and cautiously” as information is released.

“China is a responsible country and has always strictly observed international laws, and China has no intention of violating the territory and airspace of any sovereign countries,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday. “In regards to the balloon, as I just mentioned, we are looking into and checking the situation and hope both sides handle it calmly and discreetly.”

MINISTRY REPORTS CHINA TO START INVESTIGATION IN ALLEGED SPIN BALLOVER FLYING OVER US

A hot air balloon flies through the skies over Billings, Montana on February 1, 2023 in this social media image.
(Chase Doak/via Reuters)

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy did not go as far as some of his members to urge Biden to shoot down the balloon, but he demanded a meeting of the Gang of Eight, which includes the two top leaders and intelligence committee members from both parties. in every chamber.

“China’s brazen disregard for US sovereignty is a destabilizing act that must be fought, and President Biden cannot remain silent,” McCarthy tweeted on Thursday. “I’m requesting a briefing from the Gang of Eight.”

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is expected to travel to Beijing next week for a two-day trip. The White House has not announced a change of plans in connection with the spy balloon.