NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Joe Biden
    United States of America
    COVID-19
    Russia-Ukraine crisis
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / World News / US: Pentagon tracking Chinese spy balloon surveilling nuclear weapons sites
    World

    US: Pentagon tracking Chinese spy balloon surveilling nuclear weapons sites

    US: Pentagon tracking Chinese spy balloon surveilling nuclear weapons sites
    Written by Prateek Talukdar
    Feb 03, 2023, 10:04 am 2 min read
    US: Pentagon tracking Chinese spy balloon surveilling nuclear weapons sites
    A Chinese spy balloon is reportedly flying over the US surveilling its highly sensitive nuclear weapons sites, the Pentagon said on Thursday (Representative picture)

    A Chinese spy balloon is reportedly flying over the United States (US), surveilling its highly sensitive nuclear weapons sites, the Pentagon said on Thursday. It is currently being tracked as the Pentagon believes it doesn't pose a particularly dangerous intelligence threat. Military officials mulled shooting it down at President Joe Biden's request. However, they didn't proceed, considering the risk to people on the ground.

    Why does this story matter?

    • The US and China are engaged in a tug-of-war over global dominance with constant efforts to one-up each other.
    • Amid this, tensions are simmering between the two countries over Taiwan, which resists China's claims over itself.
    • The US is arming Taiwan, the independently governed island, to fight back against Chinese military actions seeking to reunite it with the mainland.

    Flying above altitude of commercial air traffic

    The Chinese balloon flew over the US northwest, which harbors sensitive airbases and strategic missiles in silos. The balloon entered US airspace a couple of days ago and is flying at an altitude much above commercial air traffic, said US military officials. They said it would manage to gather limited intelligence, adding that it was being tracked since before it entered US airspace.

    Pentagon refused to confirm  suspected photos of the balloon

    Photo from KSVI-TV shows a massive Chinese spy balloon over Montana. The U.S. military is tracking it pic.twitter.com/BWUBERWO1J

    — BNO News Live (@BNODesk) February 2, 2023

    US Secretary of State expected to visit Beijing soon

    Fighter jets were scrambled to examine the balloon, with discussions underway while it was flying over Montana. Photos of a large white balloon hovering over the area have emerged in the media. However, the Pentagon hasn't confirmed if it's the surveillance balloon. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to make his first Beijing visit this weekend to find some common diplomatic ground.

    Previous Chinese high-altitude balloons did not loiter for long

    Although China reportedly sent surveillance balloons over the US earlier as well, officials say this one has lingered over the country for much longer. The balloon was spotted over Billings in Montana near the Malmstrom Air Force Base, one of the US's three nuclear missile silo fields. The balloon also flew over the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of Alaska, and through Canada.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    Taiwan
    US Air Force
    United States of America
    Pentagon

    Latest

    IPL 2023, SRH vs RR: Bhuvneshwar Kumar elects to bowl Indian Premier League (IPL)
    Is OnePlus Pad better than Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 OnePlus
    'Bholaa' box office: Ajay Devgn-Tabu starrer sees spike on Saturday Box Office
    India records nearly 4,000 new COVID-19 cases—highest in 6 months     COVID-19

    Taiwan

    US warns China against 'spy' balloons, China calls reaction hysterical United States of America
    Over 10 US balloons violated airspace since January 2022: China China
    Second Chinese spy balloon spotted over Latin America: Pentagon United States of America
    Taiwan offers China assistance in coping with fresh COVID-19 surge  Tsai Ing-wen

    US Air Force

    US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon; 'overreaction,' says China United States of America
    Afghanistan: Human remains found in US military flight from Kabul Afghanistan
    'Operation Christmas Drop': Graham, Ludwig stick to romance, hope, happiness Washington DC
    #ComicBytes: Who are the strongest members of the Justice League? Wonder Woman

    United States of America

    US: Tornadoes tear through 8 states, 26 dead; emergency declared Joe Biden
    Spouses of H-1B workers can work in US, rules judge H-1B Visa
    US nominee Ajay Banga to become World Bank president unopposed  World Bank
    WHO has good news for patients battling obesity; Know why World Health Organization

    Pentagon

    Syria: Iranian drone attack kills US contractor; peace on edge Syria
    Can't confirm: US on providing India intelligence about China's incursion United States of America
    US condemns Chinese intrusion in Arunachal Pradesh, recognizes 'McMahon line' United States of America
    Russian fighter jet collides with US drone over Black Sea Russia

    Love World News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    World Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023