US Military Spies on Chinese Spy Balloon, Beijing Still Uncertain of Data Collected.
A US intelligence source has revealed that the Chinese spy balloon that crossed into American airspace was equipped with an ability to capture images and conduct signals intelligence operations against US military sites. The incident has raised questions about whether there is information that has not been gathered by US authorities yet.
According to a CNN report, the surveillance program carried out by China includes several high-altitude balloons orbiting over five continents in recent years, including at least two dozen missions within US airspace since 2021.
Although it's unclear how much data was collected from the balloon, Chinese officials have consistently stated that their weather balloons were simply thrown off course. However, intelligence community sources claim that the aircraft was not just a random piece of debris but was instead a surveillance device deliberately maneuvered into American airspace.
The US has also been tracking this type of aerial activity for some time, with reports indicating that China is utilizing a fleet of similar devices.
A senior State Department official stated in February that the balloon had "the capability to conduct signals intelligence collection operations" while it was hovering over Montana.
A US intelligence source has revealed that the Chinese spy balloon that crossed into American airspace was equipped with an ability to capture images and conduct signals intelligence operations against US military sites. The incident has raised questions about whether there is information that has not been gathered by US authorities yet.
According to a CNN report, the surveillance program carried out by China includes several high-altitude balloons orbiting over five continents in recent years, including at least two dozen missions within US airspace since 2021.
Although it's unclear how much data was collected from the balloon, Chinese officials have consistently stated that their weather balloons were simply thrown off course. However, intelligence community sources claim that the aircraft was not just a random piece of debris but was instead a surveillance device deliberately maneuvered into American airspace.
The US has also been tracking this type of aerial activity for some time, with reports indicating that China is utilizing a fleet of similar devices.
A senior State Department official stated in February that the balloon had "the capability to conduct signals intelligence collection operations" while it was hovering over Montana.