Chinese spy balloon derailed, details regarding U.S. military intel released

The information about the Chinese spy balloon that floated over the U.S. for a number of days has been released via a statement from the Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. Many individuals previously have speculated about China’s hidden operations. Before being shot down in February, adhering to President Biden’s orders, the balloon is reported to have been able to gather intelligence despite traveling over vital U.S. military facilities.

The balloon, which China claims was a commercial weather balloon, was capable of gathering electronic signals intercepted from American bases and armed systems, according to two existing and one former senior official. The balloon could navigate in a figure-eight pattern, featured a remote self-destruct mechanism and could speed up and slow down, spin and maneuver.

The balloon also was capable of transmitting real-time intelligence to Beijing. As of now, it’s unknown what kind of information China was able to obtain. The Chinese balloon had sparked many worries among national security authorities. Some assumed that part of the mission was a test to determine whether they could infiltrate American airspace, while another portion was to collect real-time intelligence. National security officials revealed today, however, that the U.S. did take steps against the balloon that limited China’s capacity to collect critical American data.

The latest results have generated even more doubts about China’s intentions with the mission. Many question what additional intelligence they could have obtained during the balloon’s several days in the air. The balloon’s ability to feedback intelligence to Beijing in real-time is especially troubling, indicating that China is actively seeking to obtain sensitive data about the U.S.

While the U.S. has taken action against the Chinese spy balloon, it is evident that China’s clandestine mission over America has not yet ended. National security officials will continue to examine the situation and take steps to secure critical information about the country.