Escalating tensions between the United States and China look to be a collision course, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Fueling this escalation is not just the Chinese spy balloon that appeared over US airspace earlier this month; it’s also China’s declarations that America broke international law by downing this device.
It also doesn’t help matters that China accused the United States of sending various spy balloons over China’s own airfield.
Amid the rising tensions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently convened with Wang Yi, China’s Central Foreign Affairs director, according to NBC News.
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When Blinken and Wang gathered, the Chinese spy balloon that was later ejected from US airspace by our country’s military did not go unmentioned.
Blinken let the top Chinese diplomat know this spy balloon was not only a breach of international law, but that it was likewise an “unacceptable” violation of America’s sovereignty.
Wang was additionally informed by the US Secretary of State that our country will not stand for breaches of our sovereignty.
Secretary Blinken met with China’s top diplomat this weekend.
Blinken should have demanded an answer from Wang Yi on why a CCP surveillance balloon was in our airspace before any discussion began.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) February 18, 2023
Another issue that came up during this gathering was the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which will be officially one year old on Friday.
To this end, Blinken informed the Chinese diplomat that his nation will face “consequences” and “implications” if it goes the route of granting Russia material aid or helping Russia dodge the effects of sanctions imposed by various countries.
No Sign of Tensions Waning
China has long insisted that the spy balloon downed by the US military was nothing more than a device for weather purposes that drifted off into the wrong airspace. However, American officials have seen no evidence of this and therefore maintain that the device was one of surveillance.
The meeting between Blinken and Wang only further confirms that animosity between the United States and China is continuing to brew. This is a delicate situation, nevertheless, with the potential to spiral out of control.
#BREAKING Blinken says China mulling weapons for Russia in Ukraine war pic.twitter.com/aJAuP94va1
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 19, 2023
Already, some US officials have predicted that hostilities between our country and China could lead to a war in 2025. These officials also warned America’s upcoming 2024 presidential election could distract our country from focusing on other matters, thereby giving China an in to strike.
Nonetheless, all government officials do not share this view. Some have downplayed the likelihood of a war with China.
NATO, meanwhile, warns that China is working to fortify its military, while simultaneously collecting intel on the United States and dozens of other nations across various continents.
Are you worried about the latest downward turn that has come of relations between the United States and China? Do you believe this situation will get better or worse? In the comments area, please feel free to share your thoughts.
This article appeared in The Conservative Brief and has been published here with permission.
