The Chinese defense establishment has clarified that dialogue with the United States remains unavailable for now. Spokesman Tan Kefei indicated that Defense Minister Wei Fenghe is not prepared to engage in talks with the Pentagon leadership following an incident in which a Chinese civilian balloon was brought down by the US military. Beijing asserted that this action created an unfavorable climate for any conversation between defense chiefs.
In remarks circulated by theChinese side, it was stated that Washington demonstrated resolve while China responded with the downing of the civilian projectile. The statement described the American move as a dangerous and irresponsible mistake, and it recorded that China would not accept the United States’ invitation to a phone call between the two defense ministers. The message underscored the belief that the episode has set a troubling precedent on international norms.
Tang Kefei further stressed that the United States had violated international rules in a way that could have broader repercussions. He recalled a prior note from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which asserted that Beijing reserves the right to take necessary measures should a similar situation recur. The Chinese side emphasised the need for caution and adherence to international agreements in any future exchanges.
Earlier coverage from the Financial Times, citing unnamed experts, suggested that the balloon incident has cooled prospects for a reset in bilateral relations between Washington and Beijing. The report noted that the event could complicate any immediate efforts to restore normal diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, statements from the United States have described the downing as necessary to protect critical American facilities. Pentagon leadership has described the balloon as a tool used for surveillance, intended to monitor strategic sites on American soil. The United States has framed the action as a protective step in a broader security posture.
The so-called spy balloon entered US airspace in early February and remained there for several days before being neutralized. Beijing has maintained that the device was civilian and that its appearance over the United States was accidental. The incident has become a focal point in the ongoing exchange of views about military transparency, airspace sovereignty, and strategic competition between the two powers. Attribution for the events is split along national lines, with each side presenting its own interpretation of intentions and consequences.