This week, the Chinese government accused the U.S of sending 10 high-altitude balloons into its airspace in the past year. This came after the U.S shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month, and amid U.S. accusations that China operates a fleet of spy balloons around the world.

Both governments have denied the allegations of surveillance being levelled against them. Analysts say that these events have huge implications for the long-term relationship between the two global superpowers. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we get the view from Beijing on how the diplomatic crisis unfolded.

Plus, a look at the challenges of getting aid into heavily sanctioned rebel-held Northwestern Syria after the devastating earthquake of February 6. Will easing sanctions speed the flow of aid — or will it help prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime?

Featuring:

Lingling Wei, China chief correspondent, the Wall Street Journal.Monzer Al-Salal, with the Stabilization Support Unit, a non-governmental organization based in Syria.Alena Douhan, UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.

For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059