A State Department official points out that the device had sensors and antennas to collect intelligence data and assures that other Beijing aerostats have flown over more than 40 countries on five continents.
In the absence of members of the administration testifying at congressional hearings to shed light on the mystery of the Chinese balloon sighted last week flying over US territory, a State Department official has assured that the device had the capacity to collect intelligence data. Supporting the claim, which contradicts Beijing’s version that it was a meteorological aerostat, the source explained that the U2 spy planes that flew over the device found it equipped with sensors, multiple antennas and solar panels.
“It had multiple antennas to accommodate an array that was likely capable of collecting and locating communications. It was equipped with solar panels large enough to produce the power needed to drive multiple active sensors for collecting of intelligence work,” the State Department official said on condition of anonymity.
Likewise, he assured that the balloon discovered in the United States and shot down on the direct orders of the president, Joe Biden, was part of a wider global espionage effort. In particular, he pointed out that the Chinese regime has arranged similar surveillance equipment that has flown over at least 40 countries on five continents.
Adding to all this is Washington’s confirmation that the company producing the balloon, whose name has not been disclosed, maintains close ties with the Beijing government. In addition, on its website it even shows videos from previous flights, apparently over US territory and other states. “We believe the balloon manufacturer has a direct relationship with the Chinese military,” the official said.
The balloon was shot down by a US fighter jet on Saturday after it crossed much of the country, including areas where the government stores nuclear missiles in underground silos and strategic bomber bases.
The discovery of the aerostat has reignited tensions with Beijing. On the one hand, it led Secretary of State Antony Blinken to suspend a trip to the Asian giant, where he would arrive on Sunday. On the other hand, it has unleashed numerous criticisms from China, which insists it was a climate bubble and describes Washington’s course of action as “irresponsible and gravely wrong.” .
Source: La Verdad
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