China vows retribution against 'U.S. entities' involved in downing of suspected spy balloon

Since the balloon was downed Feb. 4, the U.S. has sanctioned six Chinese entities believed linked to Beijing’s aerospace programs.

By Joseph Weber

Published: February 15, 2023 8:57am

Updated: February 15, 2023 10:02am

China said Wednesday it will take "counter-measures" against U.S. entities related to the recent downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the South Carolina coast.

“China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures in accordance with the law against the relevant U.S. entities that undermine China’s sovereignty and security,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a briefing.

However, Wenbin gave no details and did not identify the targets of the measures, according to the Associated Press.

Since the balloon was downed Feb. 4, the U.S. has sanctioned six Chinese entities it said are linked to Beijing's aerospace programs. And House members unanimously agreed to to condemn China for its "brazen violation" of U.S. sovereignty.

China has said the craft was an unmanned weather airship accidentally blown off course and is accusing the U.S. of overreacting in bringing it down with a missile fired from an F-22 fighter jet.