Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Why would China rely on something as low-tech as a weather balloon to spy on the United States and other countries?
Well, compared to satellites, balloons are cheap. And a balloon can observe an area for a long time because it’s in sync with the earth’s rotation, says Vox producer Coleman Lowndes.
In addition, the Biden administration said Thursday that the Chinese balloon shot down by the United States was equipped to detect and collect intelligence signals. China, according to the White House, has a fleet of balloons outfitted with high-tech equipment designed to spy on 40 countries.
Meanwhile, China is sticking to its story: The balloon was simply a civilian meteorological airship that blew off course.
Watch: Why Does China Still Use Spy Balloons?
RELATED TOPICS:
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
22 hours ago
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
24 hours ago
Palestinian TikTok Star Who Shared Details of Gaza Life Under Siege Is Killed by Israeli Airstrike
1 day ago
Visalia Rawhide and City Agree on Terms to Upgrade Stadium
1 day ago
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16183042/Eagles-vs-49ers.jpg)
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
![A black poodle's face with his tongue sticking out](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29135336/Rescued-from-an-abandoned-home-after-weeks-of-fending-for-himself-Adam-a-shy-but-sweet-poodle-mix-is-now-seeking-a-loving-forever-home.-Mells-Mutts-1024x538.jpg)
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30180712/AP24242759968532-1024x576.jpg)
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30151423/shutterstock_1654933633-copy-1024x576.jpg)
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/28091346/082824-Lede-1024x576.jpg)