Branson Faces Difficulties In China

British Tycoon Richard Branson, who lifted off last Friday from Marrakesh (Southern Morocco) on a new attempt to tour the world by balloon, is currently flying over China where the authorities ordered him not to fly over the Tibet province.

Branson and his ground team are currently using every possible diplomatic route to open a way into China for the balloon attempting to circumnavigate the globe.

The "Ico Global Challenge" balloon team-- composed of

Branson, Swiss Lindstrand and American Steve Fossett--, is currently in contact with 10 Downing Street, said the Branson's information center tracking the trip's evolution.

China initially gave permission for the balloon to fly over its territory, but that permission required the balloon to enter the country through a fixed corridor, the same source added.

The balloon, now flying high over the Tibetan plateau, is on a track that takes it slightly outside that corridor, and China is currently refusing overflight clearance. The Tibetan plateau averages 20,000 feet in altitude, and mountains restrict the pilot's room for manoeuvre still further, so there is no possibility of changing altitude to modify the balloon's track. If the balloon is forced to land on the plateau, it could be up to seven days before the crew can be rescued. However, intense negotiations are under way, and lead sponsor ICO Global Communications has China's Beijing Marine Communication and Navigation Company as a major investor.