Chinese spy balloons spotted over five continents a part of wider surveillance program, officials say
Jack Birle
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Multiple spy balloons from China have reportedly been found over various countries, as officials reveal more information about the balloon that was spotted over the United States last week.
Officials say that the Chinese balloons, which have been spotted flying over five continents, are part of a larger surveillance program from the communist nation, per a report from the Washington Post.
BIDEN DEFENDS HANDLING OF SPY BALLOON, SAYS IT HAS NOT AFFECTED RELATIONS WITH CHINA
The wide-ranging surveillance program run by the People’s Liberation Army monitors countries of “strategic interest” for China using old technology with newer forms of communication, per the Washington Post report.
The report also alleges that U.S. officials have been in contact with allies and partners to brief them on what they know about the Chinese surveillance program.
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The revelation of the Chinese surveillance program comes a week after a spy balloon from the communist country was spotted flying over Montana. The balloon traversed the continental U.S. for several more days before it was shot down by the military off the coast of South Carolina.
The balloon’s intrusion into U.S. airspace caused Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel his trip to China, with Blinken telling the press on Friday that “conditions were not conducive for a constructive visit at this time.” The Chinese have denied any wrongdoing, insisting the balloon was a civilian aircraft used for meteorological purposes and that it simply veered off its course. China has since said it “strongly disapproves” of its balloon being shot down.