Tensions Rise Between U.S. And China Over Chinese Balloon Drama
Tensions Rise Between U.S. And China Over Chinese Balloon Drama
On Feb. 3, a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down after it was spotted drifting across U.S. territory. American officials said it had been carrying a large payload that appeared to be surveillance equipment, and ultimately, the call to shoot it down was made once it reached the coast.
The incident caused a great deal of confusion on both sides. In what was supposed to be a year of easing diplomatic tensions, the two nations are now headed in the opposite direction, engaged in back-and-forth communication over who’s in the right and who’s in the wrong.
China claims that the apparatus was not a spy balloon but a weather balloon that, for reasons unknown, went “far from its planned course.” It refutes the notion that the apparatus was sent intentionally to infiltrate US airspace since such a decision would jeopardize the peacemaking efforts the country has worked so hard to put forward.
“By all accounts, the Chinese leadership was looking forward to having direct talks with Blinken,” explained political science professor Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore to CNN. “It would be very plausible that (Chinese leader Xi Jinping) would want to make sure everything was smooth in the lead-up to the visit.”
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, was supposed to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing on Feb. 5 to work on improving China-US relations, but the visit has since been postponed. Steve Tsang, the director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London, says such a meeting is not one that the Chinese ever intended to put at risk.
“[Xi Jinping, Chinese president] wanted Blinken to visit and discuss issues of mutual interest. Xi is trying to patch up the economy after the disaster of the zero-Covid policy and US restrictions on semiconductors. So, he could not have wanted an incident over the balloon that would derail such a meeting,” he said.
Meanwhile, the US continues to stand by its decision to shoot the balloon down, claiming that the now-deflated apparatus was part of a wide-scale Chinese surveillance operation and that several other spy balloons have been spotted around the world in recent years.
Source: 1,2
READ MORE
Discover the top 16 expenses baby boomers should avoid for a secure financial future. From unnecessary gadgets to overspending on luxury items, learn how to prioritize your spending wisely and make the most of your hard-earned money.
Robert Kiyosaki, acclaimed for his financial wisdom, urges Boomers to brace for potential market turmoil by embracing practical strategies. He cuts through the noise with straightforward guidance that speaks directly to the concerns Boomers face today.
Investing can be complicated, particularly if you're building your investment portfolio for the first time. Are you a passive investor, or do you want to be involved in the process? Let's explore whether managed or self-directed investing would be best for you.
The Oracle of Omaha wasn't always a financial Titan. He was from the middle class, just like you, but he's made incredibly shrewd money decisions over the last several decades, making him one of the richest men in the world. Learn from him as he shares his middle class money advice in this piece.
Unhappy with your teeth? Advancements in technology have made dental implants the best option for achieving the perfect smile.
Over one-third of American adults have a side hustle alongside their full-time job. Whether you're one of those people already looking for new ideas, or you want to bring in a little extra money every month, here are 20 side hustles you can try—without giving up your 9-to-5 job.
Disclaimer
The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.
Dear reader,
It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.
Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!
Warmest regards,
The Moneymade team
