The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the use of force against the device, despite clarifying two days ago that it was civilian, carrying out meteorological studies and deviated from the scheduled route as a result of the intensity of the west winds and its self-direct limited ability.

It also deplored that Washington took that step without caring about the permanent communication with Beijing or the call to handle the situation in a “calm, measured and professional manner.”

“The United States’ insistence on using force is an obvious overreaction and a serious violation of international practices,” the official note stressed.

The Foreign Ministry added that China will protect the legitimate interests of the companies linked to the device and reserves the right to give the necessary answers.

This Saturday combat planes shot down the Chinese balloon that accidentally entered the US skies, although local authorities had previously recognized that it never endangered the country.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that President Joe Biden gave his authorization to carry out the action in a place that did not represent risks and for this the airspace was closed and a all operation were ceased in three airports in North and South Carolina.

The fortuitous entry of the balloon into United States air space created a new focus of bilateral tension, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled his first trip to Beijing on Friday.

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