A Chinese spy balloon has been spotted flying over northwest America which the Pentagon claims is being used “for surveillance.”
The US military are tracking the spy balloon and the Pentagon have decided not to shoot it down over risks to those on the ground.
The suspected Chinese spy balloon has been seen over Billings, Montana and is close to three of America’s nuclear missile silos at Malmstrom Air Force base.
A senior US defence official said there is “very high confidence” this is a Chinese high-altitude spy balloon which collects sensitive information.
The official said, “Clearly the intent of this balloon is for surveillance.”
Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said, “The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now.
HAPPENING NOW: Photo shows the massive Chinese spy balloon over Montana.
U.S. military is tracking the balloon. pic.twitter.com/RS52mQE9Og
— Antonio Sabato Jr (@AntonioSabatoJr) February 3, 2023
“The US government to include NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), continues to track and monitor it closely.
“The balloon is currently travelling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground.
“Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years.
“Once the balloon was detected, the US government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “We are learning about the verification of this matter.
“We hope both sides can handle the matter calmly and prudently.
“I would like to emphasise that until the facts are clarified, speculation and hype will not be helpful to the proper resolution of the issue.”
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