oh hm ah ah ah, this is d w. news line from berlin, the spy in the sky, a suspected surveillance balloon ignites a diplomatic storm between washington and beijing. you went secretary of state, post phones, a rare trip to china after a high altitude airship is detected over the us. beijing claims it's

a weather balloon that blew off court. also coming up ukraine's president zalinski renewed his push for e u membership at a summit and keep saying his country deserves to begin. accession talks this year, plus the 77 year old russian artist was shrugging off a friend of police punishment to display anti war ards. look at for the vision and st. petersburg. ah, i'm to call for a link to our viewers. joining us on p. b. s. in the united states and all around the world, of course, welcome. we begin with a diplomatic spat over an alleged chinese spy balloon that's been tracked. flying across the united states, u. s. secretary of state antony blank and has postponed, a planned, visited china following the discovery. the balloon was 1st detected over the state of montana which houses so $150.00 intercontinental ballistic missile silos.

pentagon officials have described the airship as an intelligent gathering balloon. china claims the balloon is for civilian purposes and says it regrets the balloon accidentally sailed into u. s. air space. and for more on this, let's go to washington worthy w correspondence to me. so misconduct standing by and following all of this of course very closely. so me a tell us more about at antony blanket decision to postpone his plan trip to china for this. right, so the state department has now confirmed that the secretary of state will not be going on this plan trip to china because of this incident, he was actually supposed to leave on friday night for what was being called an important trip. and those plans were scrapped and the state department official said friday that there were consultations with other agencies with congress. and they came to the conclusion that the conditions were not right. that a trip to china in this environment would not be conducive because it would have

narrowed the agenda that secretary blinking could have address, meaning they would have have to talk only really about this fi balloon. now the official did say that the lines of communication with trying to remain open, that dialogue will continue, and that a trip a by secretary of state lincoln could take place if the conditions are right again . but all of this points of the faculty a nicole that for the u. s. this is a very serious incident enough to derail what was seen as an important trip at a difficult time in the us china relationship. the pentagon has held a briefing on this. what do we know about this balloon purpose and where it might be going? so right now we know that the balloon, according to pentagon, is moving eastward in the us. it is about 60000 feet or 800000 meters up in the sky. so according to the defense official who spoke earlier, it is out of range of civilian air traffic. so it means that it doesn't appear to pose a physical or military risk. they also said in that briefing that this is

a surveillance balloon, despite china's explanation, but they couldn't give details on why they know that they did say there are monitoring every movement of this below balloon. and we don't know if it's drifting or being steered, but we know it can be steered. and we also know, according to this, to the defense department official, that this is not the 1st time that a spy balloon has entered us airspace, but they wouldn't share more details on when that has happened before. now the authorities of course don't like seeing a chinese balloon, whatever it's purpose in us aerospace. why don't they just shoot it down? well, they said all options are on the table so that would likely include the shooting down of this balloon. that didn't happen until now. because it was floating over heavily populated part of montana. there was concern that falling debris could be a danger to people. but i have to say that president biden's administration is getting a lot of heat from particularly republicans right now. who 1st of all asked why wasn't this balloon shot down before it introduced aerospace and want him to do so

now because they also believe that the u. s. could gain some information on chinese intelligence by taking this balloon down. so again, the pressure to do something is rising, but no decision has been made on that yet. the w correspondence and we so let's kind of washington. thank you. mary gallagher is a china expert and professor and democracy, democratization and human rights at the university of michigan. and she told me about the diplomatic price china might have to pay for this balloon incident. well, i think it's an interesting decision. i mean, there's some set back i guess, to getting us china relations on a bigger track. but i think for the, by the administration, the risks of going really increased with this crisis over the balloon. and they probably thought we're in a relative position of strength, right. now these are the china and so it's really china's now the ball is in china's court to get the relationship on track again. what would have been the

risks for the biden administration and going well, i think there's a domestic political risk in the sense of going a he, it could have been alleged by the republicans who have taken control of the house that he's weak on china. there's a new senate dot senate, a select committee on china led by a representative my gallagher, and that is looking to do a lot of hearings on china. so it's not a great time for a lincoln to go to china. and just after, you know, there's this violation of u. s. air space and us sovereignty. it really, i think there's a risk of making bite and appear quite weak. a 2nd factor is also china's behavior . in recent meetings, of course, lincoln met with some of his chinese partners in alaska last year, and that went very badly. they were sort of berated and lectured by the, by the chinese. and i think there's always that risk of not knowing how you're going to be treated in china recently with their kind of dep diplomatic posture is

just much more aggressive. and so i think there was also a risk of how the meetings would play out if they played out badly. it would even further look like it was a big mistake to go. you know, china has satellites that it could easily use despite on the us. so why use a balloon and risk this kind of fall out? that is a great question. i don't know, and i am really mystified by the use of these balloons, and that this is not the 1st one. i think it probably also angered the american government that the chinese response was that it's a whether monitoring equipment that drifted. i mean, i don't find that very believable, but you know, there is, there's obviously a very, very important question as to why something more mo bile and something much lower down is being used in place of probably more accurate satellites in terms of things like taking pictures so perhaps there's some other use of this type of

a loon. i'm sure the american military knows a lot more about it than i do. and that is why they are not pleased to see it in their aerospace so us, china, ties are strained. they have been for a really long time blinking announces visit precisely to avoid miscommunication that could lead to confrontation of any sort. so how important is it that the u. s . and china establish what lincoln calls guard rails to engage with each other? it's important and i think, i think, and i hope that they continue to do that at least on from a far if there's not going to be a high level visit at this point. i mean by then, you know, met with she last fall. that was good, but i, you know, i think that the u. s. right now, given that china's just coming out of 0 cov ed, it's economy is i'm in the doldrums still the u. s. just had a good jobs report and inflation is starting to go down. so i think the u. s. is trying to get, i'm trying to position itself better. visa, the china post pandemic. i think it wants to get to get back to more of an equal

footing and not feel like it was, you know, in a weaker position either because of domestic political things like january 6 or the bad performance that the u. s. had in the early stages of the pandemic, mary gallagher and joining us from ann arbor. thank you so much for those insights . thank you. therapy in union leaders has stopped short of granting ukraine a fast track to membership and the block. at a summit with the leaders in key ukraine's president volunteers, zalinski repeated his appeal to speed things up. he said ukraine deserved to begin negotiations on joining the block. this here, european officials bound to provide enduring support to ukraine, but said or no short cuts to you membership. this history making summits offered up a flurry of announcements amidst the wintry conditions in keith. it was also a chance for the use top officials to demonstrate the growing ties between ukraine

and the european union. the future of ukraine is within the european union, lucrative people, u. s. medically chose for freedom for democracy and hulu, and reading with or so many of the clear decision your future with our german european union. but in spite of all of them, is lensky attempts at these talks to build a fast path into the you. the future still looks some way off, despite all the smiles on positive rhetoric around the table that i know which it timelines. but their goal that you have to reach the forms, for example, to improve a situation in the canada country to then reach the exception negotiations and the session accept itself. also discussed the war with russia and a promise of fresh

e u. sanctions against moscow. focused on trade and technology. but presidents zalinski wants more immediate help in the form of weapons to hold off a predicted russian search in the next few weeks. so that you more weekly. these are conditions where the more long range weapons we have. the better equipped artillery is the sooner modern western tanks will start operating on the battlefield in ukraine will. okay, and the stronger our air defense will be size, the sooner rushes aggression will and not shop for the police. dana and protection of europeans, security, and freedom. she eating will have more guarantees, issues you are wastefully misplaced. his form would, beyond the pledge of new sanctions, came details of more humanitarian help for the country, including 25000000000 euros to fund a de mining program seen as crucial in helping ukraine rebuild. ads in key more

practical aid for residence. millions of energy efficient l e. d light bulbs to help people reduce their own consumption and take the pressure of ukraine's crippled power grid with an bradshaw as an expert on international economic sanctions. with royal united services institute in london, and she told us why previous you, sanctions haven't had the desired impact on the russian economy. sanctions are by definition a political term, but also an imperfect tool. it is very difficult to calibrate sanctions in a way that gives them a measurable impact. but we have seen developing over the last 10 years really focused on so called smart sanctions. and the last year has seen an unprecedented development in the types of smart sanctions that are relied on. and we will see more developments for sure in the future. but in terms of

measuring the impact, it's very difficult indeed. and of course, there are many reasons for this, but principally, 3, the 1st reason is sanctions have to be aligned. it is very difficult to achieve effectiveness if there is some disparity divergence between different sanctions regimes. which is one of the reasons why the today called for other countries to follow in its steps. and principally the main sanctions jurisdictions here would be the u. s. and the u. k. canada and australia as well. so we would really see more alignment. they also hold on country, it's like the roofs and iran to cease their act and support or these, these new things and focus on preventing russia from importing for in technology to

boost their weaponry, especially when it comes to drones. now that you mentioned iran is that approach smart as you it's, it's an inevitable approach because that is the response here, but we're seeing on the ground and for that reason predictable to but i think that again, sections foreign parts of a much broader package. so nice lation measures will look in a search, but it is the impact as a whole that needs to be considered as well. is incredibly difficult, of course to make sure not just the sanctions that are smarts, in the sense of targeting the right types of experts and imports, but also that they're complied with in practice. and that is the real challenge because of course, sanctions have to be and forest and they have to be properly understood on the

ground. so the businesses and the services industry understand, but it is that they need to do in order to comply. and that is one of the big challenges the faces. now finding sanctions that russia cannot circumvent anna bratcher, analyst and international economic sanctions. thank you so much. a brief look now at some other stories from around the world. italian media say 8 migrants have been found dead and 42. others were rescued from a boat off the mediterranean island of la producer. they were among some 200 others who arrived on different boats to the island over night. oh, frances has arrived and south to dawn for the 2nd and final leg of his trip to africa. he'd earlier spend some days in the democratic republic of the congo. the head of the catholic church is expected to bring a message of peace and reconciliation,

inter communal violence. still plague cell saddam, despite the end of a civil war in 2018 award winning arabian director, jaffar tonight has been released on bail he was jailed last july. after protesting the arrests of 2 fellow filmmakers who were demanding ron's government end it's violent crackdown. earlier this week he started a hunger strike for 9. he said he was protesting the quote, illegal and inhumane behavior of the judicial and security apparatus. your cues and gas stations have become the norm in nigeria, as the countries struggles with chronic fuel shortages. now people are queueing up at cash machines as well. he double use alisa shakuma reports from lagos on the lack of cash that's fueling anger ahead of presidential elections. later this month, ah, long queues like these amount come on iran banks and seems all over my geri. africa's largest economy is experiencing

a cash crisis. the government introduced new bank notes late last year. my jillions had until tuesday to swap old notes for new and ira, but the rollouts of the new cache has been so slow. the central bank has been forced to extend the deadline to february 10th next week. the extent that deadline is in helping people who already spend yeah, owed money. i need new cash. there also pockets can't buy everyday goods on shops refusing to accept the ordinary run notes. i wanted to show you the old and new notes. what like many nigerians, i haven't got any ida? our b yes is 60 in and people are vs is full and eats. instead of like we don't just always happening thought gosh, that use every day. let me do it. you put out your stop. so is ready to be glass of it as i am looking through another half ca should meet what i'm hungry. so how will our, how am i going to, with you to spread the court if you're going to bring out new cash and you don't want people to keep using the old one,

then if you make it makes sense. have enough cash have enough over the new cars. you know what plates is out there, then you cannot retrieve the old one back. the government herbs to new currency would help fight corruption. i had of this month's elections, but the plan may have backfired. instead of caribbean bribes on foot buying the cash shortage has caused a huge shock to the system and created a block markets for the new notes as inflated prices. ah, the women's been as like a returned from winter break this weekend with defending champions. last book, 5 points clear at the top of the table with a perfect record challengers by an munich, and i'd have thankful and have a mountain to climb. if they are to close the gap and task made all the more difficult things to los bogs, high flying striker, she makes everything look easy from juggling to scoring goals of ever. kyla is

joined top of the buddhist legal scoring charts. the voice works, troika has quarter 8 goals in 8 matches, but she's not done yet. so if you've heard of it yet, it's the after year branding every training session. every game or you can always do everything better. oh my, that's my goal. in that scene, i don't think that you can already do it, all right. it's not like that. this is me, saw wharfs book haven't lost in the bonus. you get this season. they've won 10 games out of 10. it's easy to see why. the backbone is made up of germany's national team, like marina. he going here, as well as striker alexandra pub. midfielder senior who'd entry in alba doth while spook have won 5 of the last 6 titles. pi your has a simple explanation for their dominance. here i say always hungry and i think we'll see what it is always hungry. we always want to win everything. and i like

that mentality. i was given an issue among many that with that insatiable appetite, ever pa, your and the raining bonus, you get champions could go the whole season unbeaten for the 2nd time in the claps . history. with joining me were more on the women's been as legal is alone, judging from the w sports and you know, what makes false books so good and can they really say unbeaten the entire season? very good question. i mean, they're an extremely talented squad. and as the report already pointed out, that a big chunk of the team is composed of the german national team. we see, you know, right here. and of course they were run us up at euro 2022. so this team has a lot of experience to have a lot of depth on the bench and they consistently qualify for the champions league, so they know how to work with pressure top level, you know, those, those moments they know they live for that. and they've also,

as we've already mentioned, the that they cannot attend this season, but they've also scored an incredible $35.00 goals. that's the most so far this season. and they've only conceded 5. so and, and to answer the 2nd part of your question, will they stay on beaten? i say why not? because they've done it before in 2019 and back then it was also ever pio. that top the buttons they got charged. so if she could say prolific, i'm sure they can who could dare to challenge them at the top? yeah, so if we look at the table, we kind of see how close things are. and wolf's book at the moment, have a 5 point lead over by an munich. we see i'm tucked, hung foot close behind, and 3rd it trailing by 7 points. and it is a comfortable lead, i would say, but you can't get to come fee with that lead because it just $5.00 points, you know, want to matchers and everything the, you know, thrown out of order though. and i think here's the thing, a lot of teams will make it very difficult for them. and the coach knows that. and

the coach even said, look, we have to stay awake. we have to stay alert because no team will gift us anything . the women's been, as lega has seen attendance records this, these then, so is this real and lasting growth that we're seeing? it's too early to tell got what we have been observing and seeing the season looks very, very promising. so you just touched upon the attendance record 3 matches in the boonies. soniega attracted over 20020000 fans each and the season opener. frankfurt against by a new nick had just over 23000 well spoke against by an unix slightly over 21000 and bremen. and highbrook even attracted a crowd of over $20000.00 hands. now, a bit of context you of course, as needed because when you compare these numbers to the men's want to see these numbers look like peanuts. but for the women's game, this is really a great jump because the previous record in the woman's,

when this ego was around 12000 and that was in 2014. so like i just said, it's a major jump. and, and i know these are a lot of numbers to digest for viewers at the moment. but hopefully this heard in interest, like you said it, it has to indicate and reflect real growth. and hopefully it's not just, you know, the spillover effect of the success at the euro's recently. so the key word here being sustainability, sustainability that will hopefully lead to better playing conditions for the women playing in the veneers league. i thank you so much. i want to check it and let's take a look at some other sports stories from around the world. poland sports minister says as many as 40 countries could boycott the 2024 paris olympics of russia and bella, ros. take part. international olympic committee is considering allowing russian and belo rudy and athletes to participate, but only under a neutral flag. it says a boy called would punish athletes and basketball abroad. james is edged closer to

the n b a's. all time scoring record, he added to his tally and the lakers went over indiana on thursday. james is now just 63 points away from beating the current record held by kareem abdul jabbar a freedom of expression has long been under attack and russia, but censorship has only risen since moscow launched its invasion of ukraine. that's not stopping some artists from showing their opposition to the war. an exhibition and st. petersburg has gone ahead despite the danger. why die, child stubs of peace and the words love against hate, all displayed on me to long cardboard posters. these are the works of 77 year old son, petersburg artist elaina. also 2 dozen of these posters created from 2014 to the present day on display here at the local headquarters of the russian political party. yeah, political expedition opened on the last day of january the very next day it was

rated by police and the works confiscated organizes had anticipated such a reaction that decided not to feature or supervise most critical work, fearing it could fall under new laws, restricting freedom with expression in russia with the smuggler. unfortunately, we were not able to exhibit all the works here publicly because we need to comply with the new laws. and we wouldn't want to put elaina, also pover and the party at risk on that. even though the, some of her work are you are very striking, absolutely accurate. some food, i think, contain words that one would have to pay a fine for that. the more the, the stuff, the alina also has studied and taught out all her life. she created her 1st political poster in 2002 after the seizure of moscow theatre by

chechen rebels. good, yes. since then, she's taken caution. countless protest often being detained after russia invaded ukraine, or supervisor joined anti war rallies. she says she not afraid then and she isn't now despite the new repressive laws, both the hughes at the worst of what could be worse and what is happening to her. nothing is scary. you never know what scary. this is my country, my homeland. why can't i say or do something peacefully without weapons dealer? maybe there's a several dozen people came to the opening of the exhibition in saint petersburg visit. his also wrote letters to russian political prisoners with events like this inspire hope in a bright future. because there are many people who think the same and it's

necessary for us to be close to one another. to know, appreciate and love each other. with police seized a total of 19 paintings by alaina or c pover laser. the artist told reporters that she also got a visit from the police that night, but she says she will keep protesting. she is known in the city as the conscience of saint petersburg. all are all up to date, but to stay with us because after a short break, i will be back to take you through the days biggest headlines once again and in death. i hope to see you there. ah

ah ah ah ah what's making the head like this and what's behind them? dw news africa. the show that was the issues have been the continent. life is slowly getting back to normal. yeah. wow. way on the streets to give you enough reports on the inside our correspond with on the ground reporting from across the

continent, all the trend. stuff, the mazda to you in 60 minutes on dw. oh ah, what people have to say matters to us. i am, that's why we listen to their stories reporter every weekend on d w. many of those i am lot lambda fiano, sky. yeah, i am running for president of the republic of bellow leaky a in

which under searches for the truth. again, this time the exiled turkish journalist meets svetlana itsyana, sky, exiled leader of the opposition in bella rue school. i mean, of course i'm tired. i'm tired, physically untied. morally, it's too much on my shoulders, but i have to hold this way because i'm responsible for the future fall contra for the people. far behind the boss. sh gardens of truth starts february 18th on d. w. ah. air raid sirens howled over caves to day, as e u leaders gathered in the ukrainian capital to discuss the country's future. but the sirens seemed to say, don't let the red carpet and the absence of military fatigues full you ukraine's present is that of a country under constant attack to pay.