After initially taking no action against the Chinese spy balloon that floated over the country last week, President Joe Biden finally had it shot down off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday. That led China to threaten retaliation.
According to Breitbart, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on Sunday that the communist regime may “take further actions” after the downing of its balloon.
“An obvious overreaction”
What’s more, China, condemned the Biden administration for “an obvious overreaction and a serious violation of international practice”
“China will resolutely uphold the relevant company’s legitimate rights and interests, and at the same time reserving the right to take further actions in response,” the statement concluded.
Those words came in the wake of a mocking tweet put out by Chinese diplomat Zhang Meifang, who likened the United States to a distressed child.
“Maybe China was simply giving the US a balloon. Much like one would give a child to make them feel better!” the diplomat taunted.
Balloon may have spied on missile site
Chinese diplomat Zhang Meifang: “Maybe China was simply giving the US a balloon. Much like one would give a child to make them feel better!” pic.twitter.com/QwuuwZN1eX
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) February 4, 2023
Breitbart noted that for his part, Biden praised the pilots who ultimately shot the balloon, saying, “They successfully took it down and I want to compliment our aviators who did it.”
The balloon became a major story last week after it was discovered floating above Montana, where around 150 nuclear-armed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles are stored.
The president’s decision not to attack the balloon earlier angered Republicans, some of whom expressed their frustration on Twitter.
GOP senator says China “invaded US airspace”
They included Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, who said on Friday that “President Biden must protect the sovereignty of the U.S. whether it’s our airspace or the southern border.”
I can confirm the Chinese spy ballon is over NE KS. My staff is in contact with law enforcement officials.
I condemn any attempts the Chinese make to spy on Americans. President Biden must protect the sovereignty of the U.S. whether it’s our airspace or the southern border.
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) February 3, 2023
Fellow Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran spoke up as well, insisting that the White House “needs to take action to address this situation” as China had “invaded US airspace.”
China invaded US airspace, & the Biden admin needs to take action to address this situation. Further delay is unacceptable. I have received reports of a balloon over NE Kansas, & I am in contact with DoD on what action is being taken to protect Kansans & the US from this threat.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) February 3, 2023