On January 31, 2023, the United States government shot down a Chinese balloon that had entered US territory. The incident occurred in the Pacific Ocean, near the coast of California, and has raised the diplomatic skirmish between the two countries that are facing escalating tensions.
First, the Chinese balloon was reportedly a research project aimed at studying atmospheric conditions in the upper atmosphere. It had been launched from China several days earlier and had flown across the Pacific Ocean before entering US airspace. The balloon was unmanned, and there were no reports of any injuries or damage caused by the incident.
The US government has defended its decision to shoot down the balloon, citing concerns over national security. In a statement, the Pentagon said that the balloon was “in violation of
international law” and that it posed a threat to US national security. The Pentagon also stated that the decision to shoot down the balloon was made after the US military had exhausted all other options, including attempts to contact the Chinese government to request that the balloon be removed from US airspace.
Ironically, the US government shot down another balloon in Alaska subsequently, only to discover that it was a balloon released by several US high school students carrying out pure research activities.
China, on the other hand, called the shooting down of the balloon a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to international peace. In a statement, the Chinesegovernment said that the US had “gravely violated the basic norms of international law and the basic principles of international relations” and called on the US to “immediately stop such provocative actions”.
The incident has come at a time of heightened tensions in the geopolitical conflicts and global political disputes.
First, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues as both sides rally for support from other nations. Peace and stability have never been so important and elusive in international multilateral relationships.
Second, it happened when both Democratic and Republic parties are preparing for the coming US presidential election. Showing muscle by the incumbent president is likely to improve his image as a strong defender of national security.
Third, this balloon incident provides another diversion for the troubled government, which is finding it difficult to tackle domestic problems as ordinary Americans suffer greatly from hyperinflation as well as rising interest rate, both affecting living standards and jobs available.
The US government has said that it is committed to maintaining a firm stance on any perceived threat to its national security. However, the incident only shows its military strength, as a harmless balloon does not seem to impose a credible threat. The government has also not provided any concrete evidence of the “surveillance device” extracted from the balloon.
Further, the US government may be using the incident to rally support from its allies in the region.
President Biden and his administration may be eager to claim that the shooting down of the Chinese balloon was the result of an aggressive action by China. But the issues are complex
and multifaceted.
It is important to consider multiple perspectives and factors when analysing the situation.
It is difficult to say for certain whether the Chinese government was using the balloon as a surveillance device, as there is no publicly available information to support this claim.
It requires a third party or organisation to carry out the examination of the remaining device and disclose the evidence according to international laws.
Balloons, and other high-altitude platforms like drones and satellites, have been regularly used for both scientific and surveillance purposes by governments around the world. Such devices can provide an unobstructed view of a wide area, and can be equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras to gather data and imagery.
This information can then be used for a variety of purposes, such as military intelligence, monitoring of natural resources, or tracking of human activity. However, it is important to note that without any concrete evidence or statements from the US government with independent investigation from a third party, it is difficult to make any definitive conclusions about the purpose of the balloon.
In conclusion, the shooting down of the Chinese balloon in US territory has raised tensions between the two countries and is likely to further escalate their already strained relationship.
The incident highlights the growing competition and mistrust between the US and China, and underscores the need for both countries to find ways to peacefully resolve their differences and avoid further incidents that could lead to fatal conflict with severe human costs.
Any such unnecessary conflict only leads to an increasingly disoriented global peace and order.
Instead of stirring up nationalism, the US should focus on domestic issues that are highly concerning, such as economic growth and social welfare through which the average people can
benefit.
