The mysterious Chinese spy balloon that drifted across the United States in 2023, during former President Biden’s term, was reportedly equipped with technology from American companies.
Questions persist regarding the Chinese spy balloon that the Biden administration allowed to drift across the country before it was finally shot down by an F-22 fighter jet off the coast of South Carolina on February 4, 2023. Reports suggest the administration attempted to keep the incident from the public and Congress, but details continue to emerge.
According to Newsweek — citing “two sources with direct knowledge of a technical analysis conducted by the U.S. military” — the balloon contained technology from at least five American firms, facilitating Chinese espionage efforts.
Newsweek reported:
The discovery of a satellite communication module, sensors, and other tech from at least five American firms underlines the failure of U.S. efforts to restrict exports of technology that could have military uses to main adversary China, as well as to countries such as Russia and Iran. It also raises questions over the role of private companies that sell their equipment globally in keeping control over the ultimate users of dual-use technology that can have defense applications as well as civilian uses.
A Chinese patent reviewed by Newsweek describes a communications system nearly identical to the one used by the balloon. The patent outlines the use of a U.S.-made satellite transceiver, allowing controllers in China to communicate with the device and relay data back to Beijing. The technology is easily accessible online.
This revelation follows reports in December that the balloon used an American internet service provider to communicate. Despite China’s continued claims that it was merely a weather balloon, intelligence reports suggest otherwise.
“Reports now indicate that the Chinese spy balloon gathered intelligence from several sensitive military sites during its journey across the United States,” Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) stated in April 2023. “But Joe Biden waited until it flew across the ENTIRE COUNTRY before doing anything.”
The ongoing revelations raise serious concerns about national security, the oversight of technology exports, and the Biden administration’s handling of foreign threats.
