A multi-agency operation is underway to locate the debris from the suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down over the US on Saturday. FBI officials and the Coast Guard agency are combing a seven-mile-wide radius in a bid to recover the debris. According to Sky News, what remains of the suspected Chinese spy balloon will then be “analysed” and “harvested” for a “potential goldmine” of state secrets.
The debris from suspected Chinese spy balloon is believed to be in relatively shallow waters after it was shot down by a single air-to-air missile.
Pentagon officials have said it fallen into relatively shallow water, just 47 feet (14 meters) deep.
China has consistently denied any claims of spying, and said it is a civilian-use balloon intended for meteorology research.
It is a “civilian airship” which had deviated from its planned route, China says.
However, US defence officials said they believed the balloon, seen above sensitive areas in recent days, was in fact a “high-altitude surveillance” device.
Beijing has reacted strongly to the US’ decision to shoot down its suspected spy balloon, branding it a “serious violation of international practice”.
The superpower has also vowed to take “further action” against the US after fighter jets shot the suspected Chinese spy balloon out of the sky over the tourist hub of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
More to follow
