Consider This from NPR After The Balloon: Where US-China Relations Go Next
Feb 6, 2023
Jessica Chen Weiss, a professor at Cornell University and former senior policy advisor, discusses the tumultuous state of U.S.-China relations following a controversial Chinese balloon incident. She dives into the diplomatic fallout and the historical patterns that escalate tensions. Weiss underscores the implications of military activities in the South Pacific and recommends strategies for building trust between the two nations. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of sovereignty concerns and the quest for stability in international affairs.
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The Balloon Incident
- A suspected Chinese spy balloon was spotted over Montana, causing a national security concern.
- The balloon's presence led to the cancellation of a diplomatic trip by Antony Blinken to Beijing.
Previous Incursions
- The Chinese balloon incident wasn't isolated; similar incursions occurred under both Trump and Biden administrations.
- These past incidents, revealed by post-incident forensic analysis, highlight a gap in U.S. domain awareness.
Strained Relations
- Jessica Chen Weiss suggests the balloon incident reflects a broader issue of escalating tensions and mutual distrust between the U.S. and China.
- The incident derailed Blinken's trip, aimed at stabilizing the already strained relationship.