Detected “unidentified flying object” in China

In a message sent to fishing boats in the region, the Qingdao Maritime Development Bureau was asked to be careful, stating that “the object is preparing to be shot down.”

In the message, the coordinates of the object were given: “If the object falls near your ship, take a photo as evidence, remove the debris if conditions allow.” It was said.

Authorities did not provide information on what the object might be.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army navy began a week-long exercise in the Bohay Sea, which is the region’s neighboring bay today.

The area where the unidentified object was seen is near the Yuchi Naval Base, where China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier and flotilla anchor.

THE “SPY BALLOON” CRISIS WITH THE US

Notably, the incident came after the US-China tension sparked by the “spy bubble” crisis last week.

The US Department of Defense reported on February 3 that a high-altitude intelligence balloon allegedly belonging to China was detected flying over the continental US and passed over some sensitive military installations in the state of Montana. , including nuclear warheads and long-range missiles. missile depots.

China claimed that the balloon was a civilian aircraft belonging to the country, was used for meteorological research, and because its controllability was limited, it accidentally entered US airspace as it was blown by the winds.

China’s statement did not satisfy Washington, and the balloon was shot down by a US military fighter jet in US territorial waters on February 4, on the orders of President Joe Biden, as it was rising over the Atlantic Ocean. (AA)