China’s defense minister turned down a request to speak to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin after the U.S. downed a Chinese spy balloon, the Pentagon said. China, which claimed the airship was a weather balloon, has threatened repercussions for its downing.
China’s defense minister turned down a request to speak to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin after the U.S. downed a Chinese spy balloon Saturday, a Pentagon official said Tuesday.
The Defense Department made the request for a secure phone call between Austin and Chinese Minister of Defense Wei Fenghe “immediately” after an F-22 shot down the balloon as it floated off the coast of South Carolina. “Lines between our militaries are particularly important in moments like this. Unfortunately, the PRC has declined our request,” Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement. “Our commitment to open lines of communication will continue.”China, which claimed the airship was a weather balloon that had gone astray, has threatened repercussions for its downing.Meanwhile, members of both parties in the U.S.
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