Pentagon: Second Chinese balloon identified over Latin America

The U.S. Department of Defense announced that another Chinese balloon, which is being used for surveillance motives, is flying over Latin America. On Thursday, a similar balloon was discovered flying over the United States, which according to American media, seems to be moving toward North Carolina. Authorities are keeping it under constant monitoring, while there have been calls for a consideration of opportunities to bring it down.

The Pentagon confirmed reports that a second Chinese balloon was flying over Latin America.

“Vlerating that there is another Chinese balloon, which is being used for wiretapping”, Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement.

Earlier Friday, he told reporters at the Pentagon that the balloon, which was seen flying over the United States, is being used for surveillance purposes. American authorities considered this a serious event in open violation of American airspace and international law. But Beijing insists that the balloon is civilian and aims to collect meteorological data.

Ryder did not go into detail, but said defence officials know it's about a spy balloon and that Chinese officials have been informed about American side discontent.

In addition to diplomatic tensions, Chinese balloons seen flying over the state of Montana have alarmed residents of this area.

Balloons that are flying at an altitude of 18 kilometers [18 km] above the ground are believed to have entered American airspace across Alaska. Then she is said to have moved southwestern Canada before entering Montana.

“thought we currently did not pose a physical danger to people on earth. For now we are continuing to monitor and review options”, said Brigadier General Patrick Ryder.

Officials say the balloon is about three buses tall. According to a senior U.S. official, it is equipped with very quality cameras of solar panels.

We saw it. It's flying at a high altitude, probably about 15 miles [15 km] ”, says a pilot.

China continues to insist that it is a civilian balloon, for scientific research, which has lost control.

But the Pentagon dismissed such a thing.

We know it's a Chinese balloon that has the ability to maneuver. We have clearly said that this balloon has violated airspace and international law and that this is unacceptable”, said Mr. Ryder.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed the scheduled visit to Beijing this weekend.

We concluded that at this time there were no suitable conditions for a constructive visit of”, said Mr. Blinken.

Montana State lawmaker Ryan Zinke called for the collapse of the balloon.

But the Pentagon expressed itself against such an option, given the danger it could pose to humans, or possible material damage that could cause. The White House said President Biden agrees with the Pentagon's recommendation. / VOA