The Grizzly Growl - The Chinese Balloon

The Chinese Balloon: Used for Weather or Surveillance?

February 22, 2023

Written by: Landon Cole

Three weeks ago on February 4th, a Chinese Spy balloon was shot down just off the coast of South Carolina. China claims that the shooting down of their balloon was a gross overreaction, as it was just a weather balloon that had blown off course. However, U.S. government officials argue that the balloon was much more sinister, collecting sensitive information on the U.S. including but not limited to, collection equipment that could collect communication signals and valuable U.S. information, along with antennas capable of geo-location tracking.

The original plan was to collect the remnants of the balloon on February 5th, but was suspended until February 13 due to poor weather. Upon recovery of the balloon the U.S. has stood by their theory that the balloon was indeed meant for spying, while China has stood by their argument that it was solely for weather.

Nevertheless, this is not the first sighting of similar Chinese balloons across U.S. territory in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Guam.

There have also been sightings in places like Canada, Costa-Rica, and Columbia. Of these balloons, the ones over Canada (Lake Huron) and Alaska have been shot down, but the search was ultimately called off by the U.S.Unfortunately, this has only weakened the relationship between China and the U.S. further. Beijing responded to the balloon being downed on February 6, claiming that it “seriously impacted and damaged both sides’ efforts and progress in stabilizing Sino-U.S. relations.” The Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng lodged a formal complaint with the U.S. foreign embassy of Beijing over the issue.

Biden also commented on the issue explaining that the U.S. could not rule out the surveillance risk to sensitive facilities defending the Military’s decision to shoot down the balloons. Both countries have turned a deaf ear to the opposing argument making foreign relations incredibly difficult.

It seems the decision is up to you. Do you think that shooting down the balloon was an overreaction by the U.S. military, or the only way to protect sensitive U.S. information from other countries?