The United Nations said Friday that it does not desire increased tensions between China and the United States as a result of a suspected Chinese balloon found in American airspace.
“We are concerned anytime tensions between China and the United States rise, and this is a theme that the Secretary-General has frequently spoken to in his addresses,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. “Obviously, the two will have to negotiate this particular issue. However, given both countries’ global leadership positions, I believe it is incumbent on them to do whatever they can to reduce tensions.”
Following the “spy balloon” conflict between the two countries, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a visit to China.
According to China, the balloon was a “civilian airship used for research” that was blown off course.
However, the Pentagon denied those assertions.
“We know that the balloon violated US airspace and international law, which is unacceptable,” Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said.