Spy Balloons

US bans gov’t personnel in China from sex with Chinese nationals - report

The ban is also reportedly being applied to personnel' relatives and contractors with security clearances.

 Spectators watch after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast in Holden Beach, North Carolina, US February 4, 2023.
 A balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, carrying various objects including what appeared to be trash and excrement, is seen over a rice field at Cheorwon, South Korea, May 29, 2024.

North Korea sends balloons carrying excrement to the south as a 'gift'

 Sky Dew balloon

Sky Dew: The high-stakes game of Israel's advanced spy balloons

 Flag of Taiwan

Taiwan says eight Chinese fighter jets crossed strait's median line


Chinese spy balloon used US tech to spy on Americans

US defense and intelligence agencies found that the Chinese spy balloon shot down over the US this year had been equipped with American tech.

 A suspected Chinese spy balloon is seen before it was shot down off the coast of Garden City, South Carolina, U.S. February 4, 2023

Biden calls Chinese President Xi a dictator

Biden made the remarks a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Xi on a trip to China that was aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.

 Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a Franco-Chinese business council meeting with the French president in Beijing, China April 6, 2023

China stalls Antony Blinken's Beijing visit over 'spy balloon' concerns

Earlier this week, Blinken said that he would pursue a visit to China when the conditions are right. He also added that the goal is not to contain China or engage in a new Cold War.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

At least 50 US gov't employees hit with spyware, prompting new rules

US President Joseph Biden will sign an executive order on Monday intended to curb the malicious use of digital spy tools around the globe, which target US personnel and civil society.

 Cyberattack on a smartphone. Beware of downloading spyware (Illustrative).

What will US policy be in a war with China over Taiwan? - opinion

The US is seriously working to draw lessons from this war to prepare for a possible conflict with China over Taiwan.

 ANOTHER UPCOMING visit to Taiwan is that of Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the US House of Representatives.

Is China exhibiting hostile intentions towards its neighbors? - opinion

On the one hand, there has been the view that China can be brought around and become a diplomatic partner of Washington.

 SAILORS RECOVER a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon, downed by the US over its territorial waters, off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5.

Chinese weather balloon maker denies connection to downed spy balloon

The manufacture of weather balloons in China is dominated by Zhuzhou Rubber, which makes 75% of high-altitude balloons used by the China Meteorological Administration.

 SAILORS RECOVER a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon, downed by the US over its territorial waters, off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Feb. 5.

Russia's new tactic: Kremlin copying Chinese spy balloons in Ukraine?

On Wednesday, several balloons carrying radar reflectors were shot down, Ukrainian officials told the UK.

 A balloon flies in the sky over Billings, Montana, U.S. February 1, 2023 in this picture obtained from social media.

Voices from the Arab press: What about the Syrian victims?

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 RESCUE WORKERS search for earthquake survivors among the rubble in Latakia Province, Syria, Feb. 7.

Pentagon's top China official has arrived in Taiwan, FT reports

Taiwan's defense and foreign ministries did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and neither did the Pentagon.

 Police officers raise Chinese and Hong Kong flags during a ceremony to mark the Chinese National Day in Hong Kong, China October 1, 2022.

US shot down an Iranian drone in broad daylight in Syria - analysis

This drone stands out because it was conducting surveillance. Is Iran thinking that it can send “objects” over US bases and outposts like China did with a balloon?

 A drone is seen during an Iranian Army exercise dubbed 'Zulfiqar 1400', in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this picture obtained on November 7, 2021