The US State Department has delayed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing indefinitely, due to the detection of a Chinese reconnaissance balloon hovering above the mainland US, according to an official.
According to the reports, The balloon is flying at a height above commercial aircraft, Pentagon is actively monitoring a Chinese surveillance balloon that is lingering at a high altitude over the western region of the United States. This balloon has been the subject of significant attention and concern due to its potential implications for national security and the protection of sensitive information.
Fighter jets were deployed, but President Joe Biden was advised by military leaders not to shoot down the balloon due to concerns over potential safety hazards from falling debris, which he accepted, according to US officials.
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has called for the Pentagon to take action against a Chinese spy balloon. According to reports from Beijing, the balloon went off course and entered U.S. airspace. In response, Trump took to the social media platform Truth Social on Friday morning to make his stance
The Chinese foreign ministry stated on Friday that the balloon in question was an unmanned meteorological research vessel that had been carried into U.S. airspace unintentionally
A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry expressed regret over the apparent unintentional entry of the balloon into United States airspace. The balloon was seen flying over the skies of Montana, which is the location of one of the United States’ three nuclear missile silo fields at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
The presence of the Chinese balloon over the base, which holds significant military value, has raised concerns among US officials and citizens alike. The situation highlights the importance of careful monitoring and management of foreign aerial activity in close proximity to US military facilities
Canada reported on Friday that it was closely monitoring a potential second incident involving a surveillance balloon. Although the responsible country was not disclosed in the statement,
Canada emphasized its collaboration with the United States to ensure the safeguarding of sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.
The Canadian government recognizes the importance of protecting valuable information and is taking proactive measures to address potential security risks. The statement highlights the ongoing efforts of the Canadian government to maintain the security and integrity of its information and resources.
Officials have refrained from disclosing the exact size of the surveillance balloon in question, but have described it as “sizeable.” Reports indicate that pilots have been able to see the balloon from a distance, suggesting its noticeable size. US media outlets have reported the comparison made by another US official, who stated that the balloon was roughly the size of three buses.
The size of the balloon has raised concerns about its purpose and the potential consequences of its presence in the airspace. The lack of concrete information about the balloon’s size has added to the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the situation.