The US government spotted an air balloon floating more than 40,000 feet over Montana earlier this week and now suspects it was a surveillance balloon sent by China. A senior defense official said, as quoted by CNN “We believe this high altitude surveillance balloon is related to [People’s Republic of China], Instances of this activity have been observed over the years, including prior to this administration.”
The incident is worrisome in a way the location is sensitive because Montana is home to the Air Force’s 341st Missile Wing and its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. Here’s everything you need to know:
When did America see the balloon?
The US first spotted the balloon earlier this week, but the Biden administration revealed it only on Thursday. Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the US government had been tracking the balloon for several days as it made its way over the northern United States.
How dangerous is its presence?
There is still no clarity about the capabilities of this particular balloon. But, it is “traveling at altitudes well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground” and US defense officials believe it does not present a significant intelligence-gathering risk.
Why didn’t the Pentagon shoot down the balloon?
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin advised President Joe Biden to shoot down the balloon because of the potential risk of falling debris.
At one point officials were considering the idea of towing it down but later, assessing its size, concluded that it was too large to cause potential damage. It is floating well above the altitude used by civilian aircraft, so is unlikely to pose any immediate danger to the public.
Why does America think that China sent the balloon?
The Chinese have for decades complained about US surveillance by ships and spy planes near their territory, leading to occasional confrontations over the years, US officials quoted AFP as saying.
Furthermore, the suspicion becomes more credible due to the fact that Chinese balloon activity has been observed near US territory prior to Thursday’s announcement.
Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry said on Friday that the nation “has no intention of violating other countries’ sovereignty and airspace.” handle the matter calmly.”
What impact is this likely to have on US-China relations?
This claim threatens to further strain the strained relations between the US and China. Furthermore, it comes at a very sensitive time as Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Beijing in the coming days, a significant trip meant to coincide with President Joe Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year. It was a later trip.
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