The US intelligence community has concluded that the alleged Chinese spy balloon that recently flew over the US mainland is part of an extensive Chinese military surveillance program.
The balloon’s connection to the People’s Liberation Army of China was first reported by The Washington Post. was later confirmed by CNN. The balloon is part of a flotilla of unmanned balloons operated in part from Hainan Province on China’s southern coast.
The Washington Post quoted unnamed US officials as saying the program was carrying out surveillance missions in countries and areas of growing strategic interest, including Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman briefed about 150 foreign diplomats at 40 embassies on the program.
A US fighter jet shot down a balloon on Saturday as it flew over the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina.
