Chinese Spy Balloon
Canada’s national defence confirmed on Friday the second incident of a suspected spy balloon and said that officials are monitoring it.
The suspected spy balloon is estimated to be the size of three buses. It entered the US and made its way through Canada.
This alert from Canadian defence officials comes just hours after the US military said it is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude spy balloon as it makes its way over the northern United States.
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Canada’s national defence statements
The national defence said, “A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command),” in a statement.
“Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident,” the statement added.
The statement further stated that the officials from NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination.
The national defence command said that the Canadian intelligence agencies are working with American partners and continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada’s sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.
As the situation changes, we keep in close contact with our American allies, the national defence added.
China’s statement over allegations
China warns against “hype” over the issue on Friday. The country said it is working to verify the facts around US claims that Beijing flew a spy balloon over its territory.
“China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country,” she said.
“Verification is underway” over the reports, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing, adding that “until the facts are clear, making conjectures and hyping up the issue will not help to properly resolve it”.
“We hope that both sides will handle the situation with mutual calm and prudence,” she added.
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