Chinese spy balloon in US has US technology: report

A recent report from Published by the Wall Street Journal A Chinese spy balloon that flew over the US earlier this year was equipped with US technology. The discovery was the result of an investigation by the FBI, and US officials provided initial information on the matter.

According to the report, the high-altitude balloon had the ability to collect photos, videos and other information during its journey across the United States. However, as pointed out by officials cited in the article, this data was not sent to Beijing.

In February this year, a Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US Air Force off the coast of South Carolina. An F-22 fighter jet flew over Alaska, Canada and parts of the continental United States to shoot down the device more than a week after it was detected.

Political consequences

The results of that inquiry created significant political repercussions. The Biden administration believes the balloon may have been filled with US-made components shortly after its discovery. That possibility raised concerns about national security and the protection of U.S. technical secrets.

On the other hand, Chinese officials insisted that it was a weather balloon, which had definitely exploded. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning reiterated the position in a press release.

official status

The Pentagon said the balloon did not collect data while flying over the US territory. Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder highlighted that US authorities’ efforts helped prevent data collection by the device.

After the balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina, US Navy divers recovered the wreckage for study. US officials told The Wall Street Journal they are still evaluating the data and technology on the device.