Recent efforts by Beijing to mend ties with Washington were showing progress, but the balloon’s appearance over the United States illustrates lingering mistrust and growing tensions.
Tag: State Department
Pentagon Says It Detected a Chinese Spy Balloon Hovering Over Montana
The revelation comes days before Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing, where he is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping.
Blinken Cancels China Trip After Spy Balloon Detected Over U.S.
The Pentagon called the object, which has flown from Montana to Kansas, an “intelligence gathering” balloon. Beijing said it was used mainly for weather research and had strayed off course.
Blinken Meets With Palestinian Leader After Surge in Violence
Following talks with Israeli officials in Jerusalem, the U.S. secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, met the Palestinian leadership in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah amid a sharp rise in tensions in the region.
Blinken Meets Netanyahu at Turbulent Moment for Israel
The secretary of state and the Israeli leader had a ‘candid’ conversation amid deepening rifts over the Palestinians, Ukraine and a rightward shift by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
U.S. and Japan Say They Will Strengthen Military Cooperation
Top officials from the two nations are meeting in Washington this week to discuss tensions with China, Russia and North Korea and to plan for deterrence with U.S. troops and missiles.
For the State Department, Now It’s Türkiye, Not Turkey
The department will use the Turkish-language spelling in “most formal, diplomatic, and bilateral contexts” after a request from the country’s embassy, a spokesman said.
Leaders Mix Sports and Diplomacy at the World Cup
Dozens of top officials have flown to Qatar to cheer for teams while talking shop. The event has magnified the tiny Gulf nation’s role as a diplomatic broker.
The US Imposes Sanctions on a Russian Oligarch and Other Officials
The sanctions block financial transactions in dollars with Vladimir Potanin, the largest shareholder in Nornickel, the world’s biggest producer of palladium and refined nickel.
Biden Hosts African Leaders for Talks on Security, Trade and Outer Space
Nearly 50 African heads of state are attending the first U.S.-Africa summit since 2014. It opened with sessions on civil conflict, democracy and space exploration.