Montana was recently at the center of international affairs. A Chinese spy balloon was spotted over Billings Montana, it has since traveled eastward across the United States and on Saturday it was shot out of the sky over the Atlantic Ocean near South Carolina.
The Chinese government issued a statement in which they conveyed strong dissatisfaction in the U.S. for shooting down the balloon, claiming it was a civil balloon for research purposes. In the statement they “reserve the right to make further necessary action.”
Now Pentagon Press Secretary Ryder has acknowledged that there is another suspected Chinese spy balloon over Central America, and the Canadian government spotted another balloon in Canada on Friday.
Regarding the first balloon that was positioned near Billings the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China said, “the airship is from China, is of a civilian nature, and is used for meteorological and other scientific research. Affected by the westerly wind belt and limited control capabilities, the airship seriously deviated from the intended course.” China also said that they regret that the balloon entered U.S. airspace and claimed that they did so unintentionally.
Despite this statement The Global Times, Chinese State Affiliated Media tweeted, “the balloon itself is a big target. If balloons from other countries could really enter continental U.S. smoothly, or even enter the sky over certain states, it only proves the US’ air defense system is completely decoration and cannot be trusted.”
Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder confirmed the balloons are in fact surveillance balloons and that China has violated U.S. airspace law. Additionally, CIA Director William Burns announced he has intel that Chines President Xi Jinping intends to invade Taiwan by 2027.
