Chinese Spy Balloon Collected Intel From US Military Sites

According to a recent report, a Chinese spy balloon that traveled across the United States in January gathered sensitive data from American military facilities. The spy balloon floated over Alaska and Canada before entering Idaho airspace on January 31. It was finally shot down in the Atlantic Ocean on February 4. During its journey, it collected electronic signals from communication and weapons systems at various bases. Senior US officials confirmed that China had control over the balloon’s path, as it made figure-eight movements over the bases. The balloon increased its speed once the news of its existence became public.

Last month, China’s foreign minister warned of a “conflict” with the United States, and tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. It is worth noting that the vast majority of Americans consider China to be an “economic threat”. After the delayed response to the spy balloon, the Biden administration spent over $1.6 million shooting down harmless objects, including a balloon possibly belonging to a group of hobbyists that cost under $20.