Chinese Spy Balloon Carried American Technology, US Military Analysis Reveals

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A Chinese spy balloon that traversed the United States in early 2023 was equipped with technology from several American firms, according to a report by Newsweek, citing military sources. The balloon, which flew from Alaska to South Carolina, was initially described by China as a meteorological device blown off course.

However, a technical analysis revealed that the balloon contained sophisticated electronics, including a satellite communication module and sensors. The payload matched technologies patented to the Chinese Academy of Sciences and incorporated components from at least five US companies, including Texas Instruments and Iridium, a Virginia-based satellite communications provider.

The US military had previously stated that the balloon was part of a larger Chinese surveillance program. Despite these claims, a Chinese spokesperson maintained that the incident was accidental due to strong winds and the balloon's limited navigation capabilities. This revelation raises further questions about the extent of technological espionage and surveillance conducted between the two nations.

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