The investigation into the Chinese spy balloon shot down in February, as described by the Wall Street Journal, is considered “closely held.” However, some officials have shared preliminary findings. According to analysis by defense and intelligence agencies, the balloon was filled with commercially available US gear, some of which can be purchased online. It also contained specialized Chinese equipment for transmitting photos and other data, confirming its identity as a spy balloon rather than a weather balloon, contrary to China’s claims.
The officials reveal that the balloon collected data during its eight-day flight over the US and Canada. However, it is unclear whether the collected information was not sent back to China due to a malfunction or the countermeasures implemented by the Pentagon to prevent data transmission. Investigators have traced purchase orders for some of the equipment found on the balloon. President Biden referred to it as having “two boxcars full of spy equipment.” ABC News reports that investigators are currently determining whether any of the US-made equipment was illegally sold to China.
The Journal’s report suggests that China did not plan for the balloon to cross into the US, but its operators sought to exploit the opportunity presented by its route. Last week, President Biden stated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping was unaware of the balloon’s presence. He explained, “It was blown off course up through Alaska and then down through the United States. And he didn’t know about it. When it got shot down, he was very embarrassed.” (Read more spy balloon stories.)
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