The United States government is keeping a close eye on a high-altitude surveillance balloon flying over the continental United States. The balloon is suspected to be Chinese, is reportedly the size of three buses, and is equipped with advanced spy technology. Brigadier General Pat Ryder, a high-ranking military official, made a statement on Thursday, saying that the government has detected and is tracking the balloon.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is also keeping track of the balloon and monitoring its movements closely. In a statement, NORAD Commander General Glen VanHerck said that the balloon does not pose any military or physical threat to people on the ground at this time. The balloon is flying at an altitude that is above commercial air traffic and is considered safe.
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As per defense officials, this is not the first time a high-altitude reconnaissance balloon has passed over the United States in this way. The government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of citizens while monitoring the situation closely. The exact nature and purpose of the balloon remain unknown at this time.
The discovery will undoubtedly put further strain on the already tense relationship between the US and China. US Senator Marco Rubio said that the spy balloon was a concerning event. He explained that Beijing’s level of espionage against the country has become more intense and bold over the past five years.
This discovery comes at a time when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was planning to visit Beijing for talks, but it is unclear if the discovery will affect his travel plans. The US military reportedly decided against shooting down the balloon, as it could have put people at risk below.
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The balloon was spotted over Montana, home to one of the US’s three nuclear missile silo fields at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The discovery led to a temporary suspension of air traffic in the area of Billings-Logan International Airport in Montana on Wednesday.
The governor of Montana, Greg Gianforte, was briefed on the situation and expressed his concern over the constant stream of alarming developments for the country’s national security. Congressional leaders were also briefed on the matter, and the House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, stated that China’s disregard for U.S. sovereignty is a destabilizing action that must be addressed.
Tensions between the U.S. and China have been high over various issues, including human rights, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. China’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its refusal to rein in North Korea’s ballistic missile program, and ongoing trade and technology disputes have added to the long list of irritants in the relationship between the two countries.
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