Biden Admin Tried To Conceal Chinese Spy Balloon To Not Disrupt Blinken Trip: Report

The Biden administration What did you know about the Chinese Spy balloon flying over the U.S. before it was widely known, but kept quiet to ensure that Secretary of State did not get disrupted Antony Blinken’s trip to China, according to a Friday report. 

Bloomberg News reported That U.S. officials were “well aware” that the balloon had crossed into American airspace on January 28 and that it was over Idaho on Tuesday, but decided to not inform the public to not upend Blinken’s diplomatic trip to China. 

Bloomberg spoke to White House officials who confirmed that the balloon was above Montana on Wednesday. They also confirmed that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates knew about it. Lloyd Austin Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley President Joe Biden told him that shooting down a balloon could pose a danger to civilians. 

The White House said that they wanted to be cautious because China relations could be a significant issue in the 2024 election. “baffled” by China’s claim to not know what was going on with the balloon. 

Bloomberg pointed out that the Biden administration did not inform the public until the Billings Gazette published the picture of the balloon. “forced Biden’s hand.” 

In the end, Biden’s efforts to conceal information about the balloon to save Blinken’s China trip failed. On Friday, Blinken said his team Conclusion “conditions were not conducive” For him to continue with his planned visit to China this weekend.

He also stated that he had conveyed the information to him. “irresponsible act and that the PRC’s decision to take this action on the eve of my planned visit is detrimental to the substantive discussions we were prepared to have.”

Blinken added that he also told his counterpart that the United States “remains committed to diplomatic engagement with China” He also stated that he will be visiting Beijing in the near future “when conditions allow.”

The balloon was spotted It was seen flying over North Carolina Saturday morning, as it appeared to be heading toward the Atlantic Ocean. It is believed that the balloon passed over Tennessee last night, before passing over Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina this morning.

Ben Zeisloft contributed this report.