Chargé d’Affaires Xu Xueyuan Lodges Stern Representations with the US Side on the US Attack on a Chinese Unmanned Airship by Force

On the afternoon of February 7 (Eastern Time), Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the US Xu Xueyuan lodged, upon instruction, stern representations with senior officials of the US Department of State and White House National Security Council on the US attack on a Chinese unmanned civilian airship by force.

Xu pointed out that the unintended entry of the airship is an entirely unexpected, isolated incident caused by force majeure. The Chinese side has, after verification, informed the US side of this multiple times and clearly asked that the US side handle it in a calm, professional and restrained manner. The Chinese side expresses firm opposition to and strong protest against the US side using force to attack it. We urge the US side not to take any actions that may escalate and complicate the situation. The Chinese side reserves the right to make further responses if necessary.