In August 2018, a Chinese spy balloon was discovered in the skies above Kansas, US. The balloon was equipped with high-tech cameras and sensors, and its purpose was to collect sensitive information about the United States.
It was reported that the balloon was part of a larger network of spy balloons deployed by China across the world. The balloons are said to be part of a program designed to collect information on key military installations, infrastructure, and other strategic targets.
The balloons are capable of capturing high-resolution images and video, as well as data on electromagnetic signals, temperature, and atmospheric conditions.
This information can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the United States’ military capabilities and weaknesses, as well as to monitor changes in key infrastructure and geographic features.
The discovery of the Chinese spy balloon in Kansas was a cause for concern among US officials, who warned that the balloons represented a significant threat to national security.
The US government has since taken steps to track and dismantle the balloons, and has increased its efforts to counter the threat posed by Chinese espionage activities.
The diplomatic push is a sign that the Biden administration intends to use the incident to rally allies and convince them that China’s global ambitions could involve infringements of their sovereignty.
Beijing was angry over the U.S.’ decision to shoot down the balloon, which the Chinese Foreign Ministry described as “excessive.”
China has maintained that the balloon was a civilian device for meteorological purposes. Points of friction between Beijing and the United States are becoming increasingly common. China fired a barrage of missiles in the wake of last year’s visit to Taiwan by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Kevin McCarthy said before succeeding her this year that he would also like to visit the self-governing island, which China considers its territory.
The use of spy balloons by China highlights the increasing sophistication of Chinese intelligence operations, and the lengths to which the country is willing to go to gain an advantage over its rivals.
The discovery of the balloon in Kansas serves as a reminder that the US must remain vigilant in its efforts to protect its national security and critical infrastructure.