The US is tracking China's likely spy high-altitude surveillance balloon. The balloon was seen a few days ago when it flew over the northern United States.

This was announced by Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder. He also added that the balloon “traveled at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and poses no military or physical threat to people on the ground.”

What is known about Chinese balloon in the US

High-ranking military officials advised Joe Biden not to shoot down the balloon. They fear that the wreckage could pose a threat to the safety of people on the ground.

We are certain that this high-altitude observation balloon belongs to the People's Republic of China. Incidents of such activity have been observed over the past few years, including to this administration, the official noted.

By the way, although the current flight path of the balloon passes over “several confidential places,” Ryder assured that this does not represent significant risk to intelligence gathering.

He also noted that the US government is cooperating with the Chinese government through both the Chinese embassy in Washington and the US diplomatic mission in China. However, in the United States, the balloon is considered to have “limited added value” in terms of intelligence gathering.

Pay attention! The presence of the balloon was recorded at a very sensitive moment. Indeed, according to media reports, in the near future, on January 5-6, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China.