WH NSC Kirby: US China Remains Very Important Bilateral Relationship

Comments from White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby on the China "spy balloon" hitting wires.

• Bullet edited with additional quotes and analysis (17:37 GMT)
• Kirby's comments per Reuters: "Nothing has changed about Biden's view that the US-China is a very important bilateral relationship."
• "Information from the Chinese balloon will prove to be valuable."
• "Time US has had so far to study China balloon important, will give more clarity on China's capabilities and intent."
• "The incident with the Chinese balloon has not helped improve relations."
• "When the time is right will discuss what a future visit by US [Secretary of State Antony] Blinken will look like."
• "Nobody wants to see conflict in wake of balloon incident."
• Comments from US officials and Chinese officials suggests that neither side are keen to see the incident further exacerbate tensions. Primary risk at the moment comes from China hawks within the US Congress who cite the incident as evidence that the Biden administration should take a firmer line with China.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said earlier today that China has been "maintaining communication" with the US and urged the US to act "in a calm, professional and restrained manner."