London - Mr Richard Branson and his round-the-world balloon crew flew into the unknown last night as they defied the Chinese authorities by crossing the border into their air space.
The balloon, flying very close to its maximum altitude at 29,000 ft, crossed between Nepal and Chinese-ruled Tibet, his support team in London confirmed. Earlier yesterday China rescinded its permission to allow the craft to fly over the country.
The project director, Mr Mike Kendrick, said Chinese air traffic controllers were informed the moment the balloon passed over the border, with an apology added to the communication.
