The US Department of Defense has said it is tracking a suspected Chinese spy balloon flying over US airspace, but has decided not to shoot it down for safety reasons.
Pentagon officials said the balloon has been under surveillance since it entered US airspace a few days ago.
According to the authorities, this balloon is being monitored by various methods including planes.
Flights from Billings Logan Airport were suspended as a precaution on February 1 when the balloon recently passed over Montana.
He said that the balloon is currently traveling at such a height that it is far above the air traffic corridor, while it does not pose any danger to the people on the ground.
He said that such activities of balloons have been observed for the past several years.
After the Pentagon’s statement, the National Defense Agency of Canada also issued a statement about the balloon, saying that it is being monitored.
On the other hand, China has also shown its reaction to it.
A spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said during a press briefing that authorities are investigating the matter and refrain from making any decisions until the facts are clear.
The spokesperson said that we have taken note of the relevant reports and are trying to find out the matter.
The spokesman said that China is a responsible country and we take steps according to international laws, we have no intention of violating the sovereignty and airspace of other countries.
