Pentagon Discloses Chinese Spy Balloon over U.S.: Reports
Jimmy Quinn for National Review
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brigadier General Patrick S. Ryder holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., January 17, 2023.(Lisa Ferdinando/Department of Defense)none
A Chinese spy balloon was spotted over the U.S. by civilians on an airplane this week, the Defense Department revealed today, with President Biden initially ordering that it be shot down, according to news reports.
The U.S. “has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental U.S. right now,” Brigadier General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman, said today, the Wall Street Journalreported. Ryder added, “Once the balloon was detected the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information.”
According to the Journal, President Biden had initially ordered that the reconnaissance device be shot down but was rebuffed by the Pentagon, which worried that such a move could cause civilian casualties. The balloon first was spotted by passengers onboard a civilian aircraft, the paper also reported.
A senior defense official, in comments reported by NBC, downplayed the balloon’s intelligence value because the Chinese government has other surveillance options. That official also said the U.S. could have taken it down during a period in which it flew over Montana and that it entered the U.S. over Alaska, then flew over Canada. This person also said the U.S. has confidently attributed the balloon, which is still over the U.S., to China and that Washington has raised the issue with Chinese officials “through multiple channels.”
The balloon was spotted at one point above Malmstrom Air Force Base, which is home to nuclear-missile silos, the Associated Press reported. Ryder also reportedly said it doesn’t pose a threat to air traffic nor civilians on the ground.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is slated to travel to China later this week, where he will meet senior officials. The Financial Times reported today that Blinken is expected to meet General Secretary Xi Jinping.
There are several things that are incomprehensible.
We can start with; ““Once the balloon was detected the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information.” Based on that statement, apparently they only protect sensitive information when a spy balloon is overhead. Frankly, such would not be a surprise. DoD is noted for being reactive not proactive.
Next is: “President Biden had initially ordered that the reconnaissance device be shot down but was rebuffed by the Pentagon, which worried that such a move could cause civilian casualties.” The Pentagon “rebuffed” the CINC. Really? As to “civilian casualties, it traversed areas where there are minimal civilians. Montana is not the most heavily populated state.
Last but not least is the mention of Blinken’s upcoming trip to China. The chances he raises the topic of a spy balloon entering our air space is zero to none! Such conversation would take a spine.
Since creating the topic, there has been some additional activity. The Chinese are saying this is a civilian airship blown off course. Secretary of State Blinken’s Chinese trip has been postponed.