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China has expressed its strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the United States' use of force to attack the unmanned Chinese airship for civilian purposes, which entered US airspace by mistake due to strong winds.
Xinhua quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement today: “After confirmation and verification, the Chinese side has repeatedly informed the US side of the civilian nature of this airship, and that its entry into the United States due to force majeure was not expected at all, and we have clearly asked the Americans Dealing with this issue calmly, restraint and professionalism.”
And the statement continued: “The US Department of Defense spokesman also indicated that the airship does not pose any military or physical threat to people on the ground, and in these circumstances, the US use of force is a clear overreaction and a serious violation of international practices.”
He added, "China will resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of the company concerned, and reserves the right to take further response measures if necessary."
Yesterday, the United States shot down a Chinese meteorological balloon.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement: "A fighter jet shot down the Chinese airship that was flying at high altitude over the coast of South Carolina."
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