A Chinese Spy Balloon which was first spotted in Billings, Montana is being monitored by the Pentagon who believe it is flying over sensitive areas to collect information.
A video shot by Montana resident Chase Doak went viral after he spotted the high-altitude balloon and posted footage online.
U.S. officials said a suspected Chinese spy balloon had been flying over the country for a couple of days, in what would be a brazen act ahead of a planned trip to Beijing by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken https://t.co/HmTkjARXMu pic.twitter.com/IKOuYHaizu
— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) February 3, 2023
It was then confirmed by other reporters.
It was just confirmed that the Chinese government currently has a spy balloon flying over the US which shut down the air space over Billings yesterday. This is footage from our reporter Travia outside the @KULR NBC studios of the ballon. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/uhjVeLk69C
— Bradley Warren (@bradmwarren) February 2, 2023
Intelligence experts believe that spy balloons, which found favour during the Cold War but were largely then replaced by satellites, may now be back in use because of the development of technology that enables balloons to carry a much smaller payload. This makes the balloon “low signature” as well as being smaller and cheaper.
It has also been noted that Montana and nearby states are home to intercontinental ballistic missile silos and strategic bomber bases operated by the United States.
To date, the military has decided not to shoot the balloon – which is reportedly the size of three busses – down, because of fears that debris might cause harm in populated areas.
Popular commentator for Fox News, Tucker Carlson, says that the balloon should be shot down, and asked if the authorities were “completely impotent”.
Tucker Carlson questions why the Pentagon decided not to shoot down the Chinese spy balloon spotted flying over "sensitive sites" in Montana. pic.twitter.com/Uh3ymtI6ly
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 3, 2023
One person on Twitter had a humorous take on why the Biden administration had not taken action.
After zooming closely in on the newly discovered Chinese spy balloon over Montana, we now know why Democrats won’t shoot it down pic.twitter.com/KqCXyiDXjl
— Madison (@MadisonTX766) February 3, 2023
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