Foreign Ministry responds to Blinken's trip postponement

Neither the Chinese nor US side has announced there would be a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday, after the US said on Friday Blinken will postpone his visit to China after an unmanned Chinese airship entered the US airspace unintendedly.

"It is a matter for the US to make its latest announcement, and we respect that," the spokesperson said in a statement. 

The Chinese side has verified the civilian airship entered the United States' airspace due to force majeure and has communicated these facts to the US.

The airship is used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes and deviated far from its planned course because of westerly winds and its limited self-steering capability.

"This is an unexpected situation caused by force majeure and the facts are very clear," the spokesperson said.

China always acts in strict accordance with international law and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

"We have no intention to violate and have never violated the territory or airspace of any sovereign country," the spokesperson said, voicing firm opposition to US politicians and media hyping up the incident to attack and smear China.

An understanding was reached by the Chinese and US presidents at their meeting in Bali, Indonesia in November to maintain contact and communication at all levels, the spokesperson said, adding one of the tasks of diplomatic teams on both sides is to properly manage bilateral relations, particularly to manage unexpected situations in a cool-headed and prudent manner.