US military has shot down the Chinese spy balloon off US East Coast, US official say
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US shoots down Chinese spy balloon off East Coast
CNN
By Kathleen Magramo,
Andrew Raine, Matt Meyer,
Adrienne Vogt and Tori B. Powell, CNN
Updated 3:01 p.m. ET, February 4, 2023
What we're covering
CNN
By Kathleen Magramo,
Andrew Raine, Matt Meyer,
Adrienne Vogt and Tori B. Powell, CNN
Updated 3:01 p.m. ET, February 4, 2023
What we're covering
- JUST IN: The US military has shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon after it drifted off the East Coast near the Carolinas, a US official told CNN.
- The balloon was first spotted over the continental US several days ago, according to the Pentagon, but officials deemed it too dangerous to shoot down over land.
- US officials say the balloon was being used for surveillance, rejecting China's claim that it was a civilian research aircraft. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed a trip to China in response to the sightings.
- Meanwhile, another Chinese spy balloon has been spotted over Latin America, the Pentagon said Friday evening.
- https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/suspected-chinese-balloon-over-us-02-04-23/index.html?tab=all
Chinese spy balloon shot down over Atlantic Ocean
#livestream The Biden administration is considering a plan to shoot down a large Chinese balloon suspected of conducting surveillance on the U.S. military, b...
www.youtube.com
Some background: The Pentagon earlier on Friday flatly denied the Chinese government's claim that the balloon serves a civilian research purpose, saying that the US knows it is a "surveillance balloon."
Breaking News: US downs Chinese balloon over ocean, moves to recover debris
RPR /By ZEKE MILLER, MICHAEL BALSAMO, COLLEEN LONG and AAMER MADHANI/Feb 4, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States on Saturday downed a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America and became the latest flashpoint in tensions between Washington and Beijing.
An operation was underway in U.S. territorial waters to recover debris from the balloon, which had been flying at about 60,000 feet and estimated to be about the size of three school buses.
Before the downing, President Joe Biden had said earlier Saturday, "We're going to take care of it," when asked by reporters about the balloon. The Federal Aviation Administration and Coast Guard worked to clear the airspace and water below.
Television footage showed a small explosion, followed by the balloon descending toward the water.
RPR /By ZEKE MILLER, MICHAEL BALSAMO, COLLEEN LONG and AAMER MADHANI/Feb 4, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States on Saturday downed a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America and became the latest flashpoint in tensions between Washington and Beijing.
An operation was underway in U.S. territorial waters to recover debris from the balloon, which had been flying at about 60,000 feet and estimated to be about the size of three school buses.
Before the downing, President Joe Biden had said earlier Saturday, "We're going to take care of it," when asked by reporters about the balloon. The Federal Aviation Administration and Coast Guard worked to clear the airspace and water below.
Television footage showed a small explosion, followed by the balloon descending toward the water.
US Again Scrambles F-22 Raptors To Intercept ‘Chinese’ Spy Balloon; Comes After Hawaii Incident Last February
By Sakshi Tiwari
-
February 3, 2023
Last February, the US Air Force scrambled its F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to intercept an uncanny object, allegedly a spy balloon, floating in the air off the shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
There seems to be a somewhat repeat of the stated incident but this time over the continental United States itself. The US Pentagon revealed on February 2 that it was tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon hovering over the United States for several days.
Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the balloon has been tracked by the US government for the last several days as it traveled over the northern United States.
One of the states where the balloon was noticed was Montana, which is home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, which houses one of the country’s three nuclear missile silo fields.
He added that the balloon was “traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and did not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground.”
According to reports, the USAF considered shooting down the intelligence-gathering balloon but decided against it. President Joe Biden had reportedly been persuaded not to shoot it down because of concerns that the debris could endanger those on the ground.
The United States took “custody” of the balloon when it entered American airspace and had observed it with piloted US fighter jets, an official told reporters.
The US military scrambled two Air Force F-22 Raptors from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on February 1 to intercept the Chinese spy balloon that poses a security risk. According to local media reports, the residents in Montana noted an unusual object in the sky.
A user on Twitter captured a video of the two F-22s refueling over Utah.
Not just that, another Twitter user, @Jonahbevan8, posted a video of an F-22 Raptor flying above Salt Lake City. The user, who identifies as a military enthusiast, said that the jet was headed to a Chinese balloon in Montana. The video was shot on February 1. The USAF regularly dispatches its F-22 for quick reaction alert roles.
By Sakshi Tiwari
-
February 3, 2023
Last February, the US Air Force scrambled its F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to intercept an uncanny object, allegedly a spy balloon, floating in the air off the shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
There seems to be a somewhat repeat of the stated incident but this time over the continental United States itself. The US Pentagon revealed on February 2 that it was tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon hovering over the United States for several days.
Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the balloon has been tracked by the US government for the last several days as it traveled over the northern United States.
One of the states where the balloon was noticed was Montana, which is home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, which houses one of the country’s three nuclear missile silo fields.
He added that the balloon was “traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and did not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground.”
According to reports, the USAF considered shooting down the intelligence-gathering balloon but decided against it. President Joe Biden had reportedly been persuaded not to shoot it down because of concerns that the debris could endanger those on the ground.
The United States took “custody” of the balloon when it entered American airspace and had observed it with piloted US fighter jets, an official told reporters.
The US military scrambled two Air Force F-22 Raptors from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on February 1 to intercept the Chinese spy balloon that poses a security risk. According to local media reports, the residents in Montana noted an unusual object in the sky.
A user on Twitter captured a video of the two F-22s refueling over Utah.
Not just that, another Twitter user, @Jonahbevan8, posted a video of an F-22 Raptor flying above Salt Lake City. The user, who identifies as a military enthusiast, said that the jet was headed to a Chinese balloon in Montana. The video was shot on February 1. The USAF regularly dispatches its F-22 for quick reaction alert roles.
Second balloon over Latin America is ours - China
6 February 2023, 11:06 GMT
Updated 3 hours ago
IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS Image caption,
The first balloon, which was spotted over the United States, before it was shot down off the South Carolina coast
The Chinese government has admitted a balloon spotted over Latin America on Friday is from China - but claimed it is intended for civilian use.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the aircraft had deviated from its route, having been blown off course.
A similar balloon was shot down in US airspace by military jets on Saturday amid allegations that it was being used for surveillance.
China has denied accusations of spying, saying it was monitoring the weather.
The incident has led to a diplomatic row between Washington and Beijing.
On Friday - before fighter jets brought down the balloon at the weekend - US military officials said a second Chinese balloon had been spotted over Latin America.
On Monday, China admitted an aircraft had "accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace".
Ms Mao told reporters the second balloon had "deviated greatly" from its intended route, citing the aircraft's "limited manoeuvrability" and the weather conditions.
"The unmanned airship in question that came from China is of a civilian nature and used for flight tests," she added.
"China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law in order to inform and properly deal with all parties concerned, without posing any threat to any country."
At the weekend, Colombia's air force said an object with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" had been detected on 3 February in the country's airspace at above 55,000ft.
Colombia said it had followed the object until it left the airspace, adding that it did not represent a threat to national security.
US President Joe Biden first approved the plan to bring down the balloon on Wednesday, but decided to wait until it was over water so as not to put people on the ground at risk.
The US believes the balloon was being used to monitor sensitive military sites.
Adm Mike Mullen, former chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, rejected China's suggestion it might have blown off course, saying it was manoeuvrable because "it has propellers on it".
"This was not an accident. This was deliberate. It was intelligence," he added.
Relations between China and the US have been strained by the incident, with the Pentagon calling it an "unacceptable violation" of its sovereignty. A planned trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China was cancelled as a result of the row.
China has lodged a formal complaint with the US embassy in Beijing over the incident.
6 February 2023, 11:06 GMT
Updated 3 hours ago
IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS Image caption,
The first balloon, which was spotted over the United States, before it was shot down off the South Carolina coast
The Chinese government has admitted a balloon spotted over Latin America on Friday is from China - but claimed it is intended for civilian use.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the aircraft had deviated from its route, having been blown off course.
A similar balloon was shot down in US airspace by military jets on Saturday amid allegations that it was being used for surveillance.
China has denied accusations of spying, saying it was monitoring the weather.
The incident has led to a diplomatic row between Washington and Beijing.
On Friday - before fighter jets brought down the balloon at the weekend - US military officials said a second Chinese balloon had been spotted over Latin America.
On Monday, China admitted an aircraft had "accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace".
Ms Mao told reporters the second balloon had "deviated greatly" from its intended route, citing the aircraft's "limited manoeuvrability" and the weather conditions.
"The unmanned airship in question that came from China is of a civilian nature and used for flight tests," she added.
"China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law in order to inform and properly deal with all parties concerned, without posing any threat to any country."
At the weekend, Colombia's air force said an object with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" had been detected on 3 February in the country's airspace at above 55,000ft.
Colombia said it had followed the object until it left the airspace, adding that it did not represent a threat to national security.
- High-altitude spying marks new low for US-China ties
- Was China balloon blown off course?
- Why use a spy balloon instead of satellites?
US President Joe Biden first approved the plan to bring down the balloon on Wednesday, but decided to wait until it was over water so as not to put people on the ground at risk.
The US believes the balloon was being used to monitor sensitive military sites.
Adm Mike Mullen, former chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, rejected China's suggestion it might have blown off course, saying it was manoeuvrable because "it has propellers on it".
"This was not an accident. This was deliberate. It was intelligence," he added.
Relations between China and the US have been strained by the incident, with the Pentagon calling it an "unacceptable violation" of its sovereignty. A planned trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China was cancelled as a result of the row.
China has lodged a formal complaint with the US embassy in Beijing over the incident.
US official: “China continually undermines a rules based international order” | DW News
The U.S. routinely spies on its own citizen to harass them, than cries about some balloon flying over some sensitive sites. Who wants their apartment bugged? This is why I got to get out of here, shit is getting crazy, I don't want to be apart of it.
Some people like to take their sweet time with you to play their retarded games, I am just sick of U.S. and routinely vomit due to the culture.
They are getting the U.S. on record, objecting to surveillance, that is just rampant and over the top.
1. One of the reasons BLM buys houses and can't stay in hotels anymore where they can be kicked out on a whim.
2. They can inspect their property without destroying a hotel room.
3. It is a much more egregious violation to come up in somebody home.
I remarked how the Chinese overtly conducts surveillance which is more humane versus the U.S. that professes to giving privacy, while watching your every move in your house or using your smartphone. A country shouldn't get the economic benefit of having faux privacy while gaining autocratic control.
This was before Edward Snowden, lying their ass off.
They are getting the U.S. on record, objecting to surveillance, that is just rampant and over the top.
1. One of the reasons BLM buys houses and can't stay in hotels anymore where they can be kicked out on a whim.
2. They can inspect their property without destroying a hotel room.
3. It is a much more egregious violation to come up in somebody home.
I remarked how the Chinese overtly conducts surveillance which is more humane versus the U.S. that professes to giving privacy, while watching your every move in your house or using your smartphone. A country shouldn't get the economic benefit of having faux privacy while gaining autocratic control.
This was before Edward Snowden, lying their ass off.
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Pentagon reveals the contents of Chinese balloon
Story by Jeffrey May • 7h ago
364612402 Comments
Over the past few weeks, diplomatic relations between China and the United States have been strained over a balloon that was shot down off the South Carolina coast. Beijing expressed regret that what they claim was a weather balloon engaged in scientific research was blown off course.
But Washington isn’t buying that explanation, and having salvaged some of the wreckage of the downed airship, are claiming that it contained antennae capable of intercepting and geolocating communication signals.
Even more worrying, claim the Pentagon, is that this type of balloon has been spotted in the airspace of more than 40 countries on five continents, something which they reported to Congress when investigating a sharp rise in UFO sightings.
In their report, which noted that many of these UFOs were described as globes and drones, the Pentagon warned that they were investigating further to find out if there was any direct involvement of “foreign governments.”
The search is ongoing for the rest of the balloon, with the US Navy using unmanned underwater vehicles to search the ocean floor. The Pentagon adds that the balloon also carried solar panels large enough to generate enough electricity to feed intelligence gathering sensors.
Pentagon reveals the contents of Chinese balloon (msn.com)
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Story by Jeffrey May • 7h ago
364612402 Comments
Over the past few weeks, diplomatic relations between China and the United States have been strained over a balloon that was shot down off the South Carolina coast. Beijing expressed regret that what they claim was a weather balloon engaged in scientific research was blown off course.But Washington isn’t buying that explanation, and having salvaged some of the wreckage of the downed airship, are claiming that it contained antennae capable of intercepting and geolocating communication signals.
Even more worrying, claim the Pentagon, is that this type of balloon has been spotted in the airspace of more than 40 countries on five continents, something which they reported to Congress when investigating a sharp rise in UFO sightings.
In their report, which noted that many of these UFOs were described as globes and drones, the Pentagon warned that they were investigating further to find out if there was any direct involvement of “foreign governments.”
The search is ongoing for the rest of the balloon, with the US Navy using unmanned underwater vehicles to search the ocean floor. The Pentagon adds that the balloon also carried solar panels large enough to generate enough electricity to feed intelligence gathering sensors.
Pentagon reveals the contents of Chinese balloon (msn.com)
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U.S. officials said Friday the undercarriage of the Chinese spy balloon shot down Saturday -- where the surveillance equipment and other technology was housed -- has been located in waters off South Carolina.
Chinese balloon reconnaissance platform located, officials say (msn.com)
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Chinese balloon reconnaissance platform located, officials say (msn.com)
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Where in Alaska did military shoot down flying ‘object’ days after intercepting Chinese spy balloon?
Story by Josh Marcus • 4h ago
The US military shot down a high-altitude “object” above waters off the coast of Alaska, officials announced on Friday.
“We are calling this an “object” because that is the best description we have right now,” John Kirby of the National Security Council said during a briefing at the White House on Friday, describing the object as sitting at 40,000 feet and posing a “reasonable threat” to civilian aircraft before it was taken down by fighter jets.
“We don’t understand the full purpose, we don’t have any information that would confirm a stated purpose for this object,” he added.
The news comes after US jets shot down what’s believed to be a Chinese spy balloon last weekend that flew across the continental US. (China says it was a civilian research craft that veered off course.
“We do expect to be able to recover the debris since it fell not only within our territorial space but what we believe is frozen water. A recovery effort will be made and we are hopeful it will be successful and we can learn more about it,” Mr Kirby continued. “It was much, much smaller than the spy balloon we took down last Saturday.”
Where in Alaska did military shoot down flying ‘object’ days after intercepting Chinese spy balloon? (msn.com)
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Story by Josh Marcus • 4h ago
The US military shot down a high-altitude “object” above waters off the coast of Alaska, officials announced on Friday.
“We are calling this an “object” because that is the best description we have right now,” John Kirby of the National Security Council said during a briefing at the White House on Friday, describing the object as sitting at 40,000 feet and posing a “reasonable threat” to civilian aircraft before it was taken down by fighter jets.
“We don’t understand the full purpose, we don’t have any information that would confirm a stated purpose for this object,” he added.
The news comes after US jets shot down what’s believed to be a Chinese spy balloon last weekend that flew across the continental US. (China says it was a civilian research craft that veered off course.
“We do expect to be able to recover the debris since it fell not only within our territorial space but what we believe is frozen water. A recovery effort will be made and we are hopeful it will be successful and we can learn more about it,” Mr Kirby continued. “It was much, much smaller than the spy balloon we took down last Saturday.”
Where in Alaska did military shoot down flying ‘object’ days after intercepting Chinese spy balloon? (msn.com)
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Governor Dunleavy Issues Statement on Unidentified Object Shot Down Over Alaska
Feb 10, 2023
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement today regarding the unidentified object shot down this morning over Alaskan waters.
“Today’s announcement by the Pentagon that an unidentified object was shot down by an F-22 from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson over Alaska’s coastline raises serious national security concerns that should concern every American. I want to thank our Alaska-based military for eliminating the potential threat before it was flying over our land.
As such, decisions need to be made quickly to preserve the territorial integrity of Alaska and the United States. This incident is further evidence that the military capability of Alaska is robust. An important discussion should ensue about improving those capabilities, including icebreakers, Army, Air Force and Navy capabilities.
If the last few days are any indication, this may be the new norm and we must be prepared. The Alaska National Guard is working closely with USNORTHCOM and other agencies to provide any support as requested.
This latest incident demonstrates that Alaska remains the most strategic place on earth for both geopolitics and national defense.”
gov.alaska.gov
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Feb 10, 2023
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement today regarding the unidentified object shot down this morning over Alaskan waters.
“Today’s announcement by the Pentagon that an unidentified object was shot down by an F-22 from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson over Alaska’s coastline raises serious national security concerns that should concern every American. I want to thank our Alaska-based military for eliminating the potential threat before it was flying over our land.
This latest intrusion into our airspace raises serious questions about the White House’s decision to not shoot down a Chinese spy balloon last week when it was above the Aleutian Chain and prevent it from flying over important military sites in the Lower-48.
Unlike other states, Alaska is truly on the front lines. Because of our close proximity to our neighbors there is very little margin for error. Russian territory is only a few miles away. We are the one state closest to the Korean Peninsula and China. Alaska is truly on the front lines.
As such, decisions need to be made quickly to preserve the territorial integrity of Alaska and the United States. This incident is further evidence that the military capability of Alaska is robust. An important discussion should ensue about improving those capabilities, including icebreakers, Army, Air Force and Navy capabilities.
If the last few days are any indication, this may be the new norm and we must be prepared. The Alaska National Guard is working closely with USNORTHCOM and other agencies to provide any support as requested.
This latest incident demonstrates that Alaska remains the most strategic place on earth for both geopolitics and national defense.”
Governor Dunleavy Issues Statement on Unidentified Object Shot Down Over Alaska - Mike Dunleavy
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement today regarding the unidentified object shot down this morning over Alaskan waters. “Today’s announcement by the Pentagon that an unidentified object was shot down by an F-22 from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson over Alaska’s coastline...
gov.alaska.gov
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They should have treated it like a spy satellite and let it flyover. They tolerate Starlink flying over beaming signals that bypass their firewall. In Ukraine, it has clearly shown military applications.
This could be setting up China to assert it Nine-Dash Line Claim and a real military conflict. This is why I need to get up out of here, the same nonsensical bizarre behavior I have been dealing with is starting to exhibit itself internationally. I want to economically support myself through free enterprise, not apply for government programs and do nothing due to corruption.
Discovery of unidentified unmanned aircraft
sparks new concerns on Capitol Hill
over US-China relations
Discovery of unidentified unmanned aircraft sparks new concerns on Capitol Hill over US-China relations (msn.com)Story by Ken Tran and Tom
Vanden Brook
USA TODAY
February 13, 2023
The takedown of four unmanned aircraft has raised new concerns about relations between the United States and China, with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers putting a new focus Sunday on national security.“We’re going to have to begin to look at the United States airspace as one that we need to defend and that we need to have appropriate sensors to do so,” said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, on CNN’s "State of the Union." “We certainly now ascertain there is a threat.”
On Sunday, (February 13, 2023) the U.S. military shot down another unidentified flying object over Michigan. The shootdown occurred hours after airspace was temporarily closed over Lake Michigan by the Federal Aviation Administration and NORAD and after lawmakers had made the rounds on the Sunday political talk shows.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
Late discovery of balloon program is 'wild,' Schumer saysSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on ABC’s "This Week" that “it is wild” that the U.S. did not learn of China’s balloon program “until a few months ago."
Schumer said he was briefed by national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Saturday night regarding the aircraft, saying that the U.S. believes the two unidentified objects that were destroyed in recent days were also balloons, but that they were "much smaller" than the initial balloon shot down Feb. 4.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chair of the House Oversight Committee, said he was “glad” to see a swift response from the White House, but told ABC’s "This Week" that “we've got a whole lot bigger problem with China than the spy balloons," saying the White House needs to be more "firm" against China.
Related: Video shows moment US shot down suspected Chinese spy balloon
Hours after the second aircraft was shot down, the Department of Commerce announced sanctions against six Chinese companies which it said were supporting China’s military aerospace programs.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington,
Feb. 2, 2023.© Jose Luis Magana, AP
“Today’s action demonstrates our concerted efforts to identify and disrupt the PRC’s use of surveillance balloons, which have violated the airspace of the United States and more than forty countries,” Matthew Axelrod, assistant secretary of commerce for export enforcement, said in a statement.
Turner: Preferable to be 'trigger happy'
Lawmakers on Sunday also expressed concerns over the U.S. military’s protocol when unidentified objects are discovered.
When asked about whether the U.S. has changed its posture towards flying objects, Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said “I certainly hope not.”\
“If that’s where we’re going to go, there will be an accident. At some point we’re going to shoot down something we don’t want to shoot down,” Himes said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Turner said the White House does “appear somewhat trigger happy, although this is certainly preferable to the permissive environment that they showed when the Chinese spy balloon was coming over some of our most sensitive sites.”
The first balloon's path visualized: U.S. tracked suspected Chinese spy balloon for 5 days before shooting it down over the Atlantic
Several lawmakers raised questions about the spy balloon’s flight path and whether it flew over sensitive military and nuclear weapon sites. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester noted on CBS' "Face the Nation" that the balloon flew over his home state of Montana, which houses 150 nuclear missiles.
Concerns about TikTok, foreign ownership of U.S. farmland
The discovery of the balloon and two other unidentified objects has raised concerns about other issues pertaining to China. Tester pointed out his own concerns over foreign, including Chinese, ownership of U.S. farmland.
“I don’t think they should have any opportunity to try to dictate our food supply,” said Tester, who introduced a bipartisan bill in January with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., aimed at preventing foreign companies from owning domestic farmland.
Related: Spy fears spark flurry of proposed laws aiming to ban Chinese land ownership
Schumer also suggested that Congress should take a closer look at TikTok, the popular social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to which Comer agreed, citing worries over Chinese data collection.
“(TikTok) would be a concern if we continue to see escalation among China and the United States,” Comer said.
Ban TikTok?: Restrictions on the popular video app are spreading across the U.S.
Discovery of unidentified unmanned aircraft sparks new concerns on Capitol Hill over US-China relations (msn.com)
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.
sparks new concerns on Capitol Hill
over US-China relations
Discovery of unidentified unmanned aircraft sparks new concerns on Capitol Hill over US-China relations (msn.com)Story by Ken Tran and Tom
Vanden Brook
USA TODAY
February 13, 2023
The takedown of four unmanned aircraft has raised new concerns about relations between the United States and China, with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers putting a new focus Sunday on national security.“We’re going to have to begin to look at the United States airspace as one that we need to defend and that we need to have appropriate sensors to do so,” said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, on CNN’s "State of the Union." “We certainly now ascertain there is a threat.”
On Sunday, (February 13, 2023) the U.S. military shot down another unidentified flying object over Michigan. The shootdown occurred hours after airspace was temporarily closed over Lake Michigan by the Federal Aviation Administration and NORAD and after lawmakers had made the rounds on the Sunday political talk shows.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
Late discovery of balloon program is 'wild,' Schumer saysSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on ABC’s "This Week" that “it is wild” that the U.S. did not learn of China’s balloon program “until a few months ago."
Schumer said he was briefed by national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Saturday night regarding the aircraft, saying that the U.S. believes the two unidentified objects that were destroyed in recent days were also balloons, but that they were "much smaller" than the initial balloon shot down Feb. 4.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chair of the House Oversight Committee, said he was “glad” to see a swift response from the White House, but told ABC’s "This Week" that “we've got a whole lot bigger problem with China than the spy balloons," saying the White House needs to be more "firm" against China.
Related: Video shows moment US shot down suspected Chinese spy balloon
Hours after the second aircraft was shot down, the Department of Commerce announced sanctions against six Chinese companies which it said were supporting China’s military aerospace programs.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington,
Feb. 2, 2023.© Jose Luis Magana, AP
“Today’s action demonstrates our concerted efforts to identify and disrupt the PRC’s use of surveillance balloons, which have violated the airspace of the United States and more than forty countries,” Matthew Axelrod, assistant secretary of commerce for export enforcement, said in a statement.
Turner: Preferable to be 'trigger happy'
Lawmakers on Sunday also expressed concerns over the U.S. military’s protocol when unidentified objects are discovered.
When asked about whether the U.S. has changed its posture towards flying objects, Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said “I certainly hope not.”\
“If that’s where we’re going to go, there will be an accident. At some point we’re going to shoot down something we don’t want to shoot down,” Himes said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Turner said the White House does “appear somewhat trigger happy, although this is certainly preferable to the permissive environment that they showed when the Chinese spy balloon was coming over some of our most sensitive sites.”
The first balloon's path visualized: U.S. tracked suspected Chinese spy balloon for 5 days before shooting it down over the Atlantic
Several lawmakers raised questions about the spy balloon’s flight path and whether it flew over sensitive military and nuclear weapon sites. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester noted on CBS' "Face the Nation" that the balloon flew over his home state of Montana, which houses 150 nuclear missiles.
Concerns about TikTok, foreign ownership of U.S. farmland
The discovery of the balloon and two other unidentified objects has raised concerns about other issues pertaining to China. Tester pointed out his own concerns over foreign, including Chinese, ownership of U.S. farmland.
“I don’t think they should have any opportunity to try to dictate our food supply,” said Tester, who introduced a bipartisan bill in January with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., aimed at preventing foreign companies from owning domestic farmland.
Related: Spy fears spark flurry of proposed laws aiming to ban Chinese land ownership
Schumer also suggested that Congress should take a closer look at TikTok, the popular social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to which Comer agreed, citing worries over Chinese data collection.
“(TikTok) would be a concern if we continue to see escalation among China and the United States,” Comer said.
Ban TikTok?: Restrictions on the popular video app are spreading across the U.S.
Discovery of unidentified unmanned aircraft sparks new concerns on Capitol Hill over US-China relations (msn.com)
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Jiang's U.S.-Built Plane Is Reportedly Bugged
About a month before President Bush is to make his first state visit to China, reports have surfaced that the U.S.
www.latimes.com
The former President of China just died back in November 2022. Flying these balloons that low is payback for bugging his plane that messed with the avionics. Now they are spying on you and interfering with the aviation of civilian airspace.
Jiang's U.S.-Built Plane Is Reportedly Bugged
About a month before President Bush is to make his first state visit to China, reports have surfaced that the U.S.
The former President of China just died back in November 2022. Flying these balloons that low is payback for bugging his plane that messed with the avionics. Now they are spying on you and interfering with the aviation of civilian airspace.
The Chinese like to expose the US government and private sector cooperation. Here you can see that Boeing just let the government come in and set up an assembly line of surveillance. They were eating up Edward Snowden and I have watched many of their videos with similar themes.
Everything is being interconnected so trust is a major factor in whether you will purchase a product such as a car Smart TV or laptop. By showing that the US is worse with regard to surveillance it puts Chinese products on equal footing globally such as Huawei.
I believe the US surveillance style system of deceit is much worse than Chinese overt surveillance (requiring users to register their real identity). Here are they trying to get the economic benefits of protecting privacy while covertly spying on people behind their backs.
It was a cleverly designed trap to get the US government openly discussing their cooperation with the private sector with setting up surveillance. At least with commercial aviation there is a airplane mode on your phone to not mess with the avionics the US government took no precautions in protecting their head of State.
This is why none of the balloons were shot down because this discussion would come up and cause irreparable harm to the private sector. If it was my guess, I believe the Chinese bought this commercial jet under false pretenses to expose the U.S. The government not thinking long-term just couldn't resist the temptation.
Thanks to Edward Snowden and crap like this Tik Tok just took off globally, which would have been unthinkable in the past.
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President Xi will buy a Ford Lighting, Tesla Model X, Boeing passenger plane, or other U.S. EV product where they will station round the clock security while it is being assembled. Even though they are quite capable of using their own companies to produce these EV products. As planned, the CIA will run to the private sector and demand access to their facilities not knowing it is a trap to expose them. They will uncover their satellite linked bugging devices messing with the autopilot, backdoors, and other garbage planted in the car. Using contacts in the U.S. media, they will report the story to expose the fraud of the U.S. Big Tech industry as being a willing partner for the U.S. government.
They will also hear stories from Edward Snowden and my hostile encounter, terrorism, and stolen proprietary technology using Big Tech that will further solidify their decision. This will lead to the rise of Tik Tok, willingness to accept Chinese search engines, or a phone with a Chinese OS.
Other countries seeing that the U.S. is not a trusted partner will diversify their product mix to include Huawei/Chinese Big Tech products. The Chinese people will see their lack of access to Google and Facebook as acceptable.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: China's aggression could start new world war
895,185 views Feb 15, 2023
This Sky News Australia special investigation into China’s growing threat of war against Taiwan reveals how it could spark a global conflict between the United States and China – leaving Australia caught in the crossfire. Sky News anchor and investigative journalist Peter Stefanovic speaks to defence experts to understand Australia’s defence capabilities as an impending war between China and Taiwan looms. Mr Stefanovic hit the ground in Taiwan to hear the desperate fears of locals who count the days before an attack on their democratic island. In his final interview before passing away, the late Senator Jim Molan gave a crucial warning for the government and Australians to begin preparing for war, fearing the nation could be caught in the crossfire of a battle between China and the United States.
895,185 views Feb 15, 2023
This Sky News Australia special investigation into China’s growing threat of war against Taiwan reveals how it could spark a global conflict between the United States and China – leaving Australia caught in the crossfire. Sky News anchor and investigative journalist Peter Stefanovic speaks to defence experts to understand Australia’s defence capabilities as an impending war between China and Taiwan looms. Mr Stefanovic hit the ground in Taiwan to hear the desperate fears of locals who count the days before an attack on their democratic island. In his final interview before passing away, the late Senator Jim Molan gave a crucial warning for the government and Australians to begin preparing for war, fearing the nation could be caught in the crossfire of a battle between China and the United States.
This is What the US Military Found on Chinese Spy Balloon