The Chinese MFA has released a statement about the balloon. Some nifty lawyering going on. The statement declares (a) that the Chinese "unmanned airship" entered into US airspace unintentionally and unexpectedly, due to force majeure; (b) that China respects the sovereignty /1 and territorial integrity of all countries; and (c) that China has "no intention to violate and has never violated the territory or airspace of any sovereign country." In another statement mentioned by the Chinese Embassy to France, the MFA (d) expressed its /2

Interesting legal position. Art IX(2) of the Chemical Weapons Convention imposes an duty on State parties to clarify and resolve, through exchange of information and consultations, any matter which may cause doubt about compliance with the Convention. /1

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Russia appears to suggest that the UK is in breach of this duty, having requested an explanation concerning Russia’s involvement in the Skripal poisoning by the end of today. The Russian position seems to be based on a misunderstanding. /2