China Promises Retaliatory Action Over Sanctions Related to Spy Balloon

China said it would take "countermeasures" against U.S. entities in response to sanctions on Chinese companies over the entry of a Chinese surveillance balloon into U.S. airspace. The U.S. sanctioned six Chinese entities in response to the balloon, adding them to the Entity List (see 2302100072). A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a regular press conference in Beijing Feb. 15 that it will take retaliatory measures "against relevant US entities that have undermined China’s sovereignty and security to firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests."