‘Balloongate’ lays bare Chinese hypocrisy over military surveillance (Opinion)
This facility located at 41°46’46.04”N and 111°54’3.83”E in Inner Mongolia has been identified as the possible launch site of the balloon that crossed North America. (Image: Google Earth)
China is busy trying to re-inflate its reputation after its mysterious 60m-diameter spy balloon with approximately 1t payload was shot down off the coast of South Carolina on 4 February.
A spy balloon? Wait, surely not!
Despite all evidence to the contrary, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is sticking to its mantra that ‘the balloon in question is a Chinese unmanned civilian airship used mainly for meteorological research purposes’.
But it needs to get its story straight. Why would China say ‘mainly’ meteorological purposes instead of ‘only’?
More detail will hopefully be gleaned as the US recovers wreckage from a debris
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.