Chinese Spy Balloon Gathered Intelligence from Sensitive U.S. Military Sites
According to current and former U.S. officials, a Chinese spy balloon flew over several sensitive American military sites, gathering intelligence despite the Biden administration’s efforts to prevent it. The officials revealed that China was able to control the balloon and make multiple passes over some sites, transmitting real-time information back to Beijing. The intelligence collected was mostly from electronic signals, including communications from base personnel and weapons systems.
US officials downplay significance of Chinese spy balloon intelligence
US officials have downplayed the significance of intelligence gathered by a Chinese spy balloon that flew over military installations in the country earlier this year. According to NBC News, the balloon was able to gather intel from several sensitive American military sites despite efforts from the Biden administration to prevent it from doing so. The report was based on information from two current senior US officials and a former senior Biden administration official. However, US officials have stated that any signals or electronic intelligence gathered by the balloon was of “limited intelligence value” and that measures were taken to mitigate Beijing’s ability to collect data while the object was flying above sensitive sites.
Biden Administration’s Poor Efforts to Block the Balloon
According to an article by CNBC, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the potential of Chinese surveillance balloons to monitor U.S. military activities. The Defense Department responded to CNBC News inquiries with comments stating that the balloon had “limited additive value” for intelligence collection by the Chinese government “over and above what [China] is likely able to collect through things like satellites in low earth orbit.” In response, the U.S. has reportedly been developing countermeasures such as radar systems to detect and track the balloons, as well as electronic jamming technology to disrupt their ability to collect intelligence. The U.S. is also said to be working on developing its own high-altitude surveillance balloons to monitor other countries.
Balloon’s Entry and Flight Over U.S. Airspace
The balloon first entered U.S. airspace over Alaska on January 28, and within four days, it flew over Montana, specifically Malmstrom Air Force Base, where the U.S. stores some of its nuclear assets. The U.S. government confirmed the balloon’s existence and monitored it for days after NBC News first reported it was flying over the U.S. on February 2. China increased the balloon’s speed after it became public, and it was shot down on February 4 off the coast of South Carolina.
China’s Denial
China claimed that the balloon was an unmanned civilian airship that accidentally strayed off course and that the U.S. overreacted by shooting it down. Officials have not revealed which company, department, or organization the balloon belonged to despite several requests for comment by NBC News.
According to an article from CNN, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that “The US action is a serious violation of China’s sovereignty and security interests, and is highly likely to cause unexpected incidents.” Chunying further argued that the balloon was used for “atmospheric observation” and had “no ability to collect intelligence.”
Despite China’s denial, the incident has raised concerns about the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for espionage purposes. As reported by The Hill, the incident highlights the need for the U.S. to develop new methods for detecting and mitigating threats from UAVs, especially those operated by foreign governments.
Self-Destruct Mechanism and Debris Retrieval
According to a report by NBC News, the self-destruct mechanism in the Chinese spy balloon was designed to prevent the sensitive equipment onboard from falling into the wrong hands, and it could have been activated remotely by China if necessary. It is unclear if the mechanism malfunctioned or if China chose not to activate it. The debris from the downed balloon was reportedly recovered by the U.S. military and is being analyzed to determine what information, if any, was collected. The U.S. government waited to shoot the balloon down until it was over the ocean to minimize the risk of any debris falling on populated areas or causing damage.
You can bet that Joey’s bank account just grew from allowing that balloon to get as far as it did.
Shoot down future ones?
Joe Biden and all the grifting turn coats that are hiding their hated for America all the while getting rich by supporting China may just as well give them the keys to the country and save China all the trouble of looking for them.
Everyone in America except obiden New these balloon were spying on us snd the Chinese lied about it the foreign minister Hua Chunging lied to our face about it their is no honor from the commies joe dare they act this way you. Monies were spying you got caught er shot your spy balloon down Boom! You are not honorable and you got caught lying! Take traitor joe off our hands you deserve him!