Canada says it has summoned China’s ambassador to explain why a surveillance device entered Canadian airspace. A spokesperson for Global Affairs says Canada would like China to explain why and how its high-altitude monitoring device entered its airspace.
“Yesterday, China’s Ambassador to Canada was summoned by officials at Global Affairs Canada regarding the situation described in the statement issued by Canada’s Department of National Defence. We will continue to vigorously express our position to Chinese officials through multiple channels,” says Jason Kung, as a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada in a statement provided to CNN.
In a statement Thursday, Canada’s Department of National Defence confirmed it had detected the monitoring device and said it continues to track the surveillance balloon along with NORAD and its US counterparts.
“Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident. NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination,” reads the statement in part.
CNN has asked for clarification regarding the “second incident” mentioned in the statement but the Canadian government says it does not yet have any more information to share at this time.