According to Chinese expert Fred Sengers, big countries are actually experimenting with spy balloons. In this case, with these balloons, China would like to make it clear that it has more means to spy than just satellites and spyware. “But the United States itself is also experimenting with these balloons.”
The Pentagon and various American politicians call the balloon alarming and, not surprisingly, it would happen more often. In the previous cases, however, the balloon remained in the air for less time.
Chinese state media are taking the situation less seriously, Sengers said. “This is a typical example of Americans advertising something to make the Chinese threat clear,” one analyst is quoted as saying. In an initial official response, China says it is investigating the matter. “It’s neither a denial nor an affirmation.”
Visit Blink
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China on Sunday. It is expected that he will have a conversation with his counterpart. However, according to Sengers, there is also talk of a possible summit between Chinese President Xi and US President Biden later this year. “If Blinken’s visit goes well, he might even be able to consult with Xi beforehand.”
According to Sengers, it is important that the relationship between the two countries improves. “We have seen little of the openings promised by Biden to China. On the contrary. This only increases the need for China to talk to America.’