China’s top diplomat urges US to ‘avoid misjudgment’ as Blinken trip postponed over balloon issue

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed his planned trip to China after the United States detected a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over its territory. Beijing described the balloon as an “unmanned airship employed for civilian purposes” that had accidentally deviated from its planned course. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi called for both sides to “avoid misjudgment” over the incident. Blinken also said on February 3, 2023, that he still plans to visit Beijing when conditions allow.