US and Chinese top diplomats meet to discuss the downed balloon.
Top US and Chinese diplomats have discussed a Chinese balloon that flew over the US mainland, but their opinions remain divided.
On the sidelines of a security conference in Munich, Germany, US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top foreign policy official Wang Yi met on Saturday. It was their first face-to-face meeting since the balloon was shot down by the US military earlier this month.
According to US officials, Blinken chastised China for flying the balloon in US airspace, emphasizing that such a "irresponsible act" must never be repeated.
They also claim that Blinken "made it clear that the United States will not tolerate any violation of our sovereignty," noting that Chinese surveillance balloons have "intruded into the airspace of over 40 countries across five continents."
He also mentioned Russia's aggression against Ukraine and warned of the implications and consequences if China provides material support to Russia or assistance with systemic sanctions evasion.
Blinken also emphasized that Washington does not seek conflict with China or a new Cold War, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue.
China's state-owned enterprises According to Xinhua News Agency, Wang stated "China's solemn position" on the balloon's downing in "an unofficial contact" with Blinken.
According to the report, Wang urged the US to "change course, recognize, and repair the damage that its excessive use of force caused to China-US relations."
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