It’s no secret that there are a multitude of foreign nations that want to see the United States fail. One of those nations of course is China. And while the U.S. isn’t at war with China, there’s been multiple efforts by the Asian country to try and spy on American military or government secrets.

Who can forget the Chinese spy balloon that floated over the United States several years ago? Despite the Chinese government denying that the balloon was used for spying purposes, it’s likely that its purpose was to collect American secrets and other sensitive information. However, Beijing still insists that it was used for meteorological purposes.

At the time, the Biden administration ordered for the spy balloon to be shot down, but only after it floated its way across the contiguous United States. That decision frustrated many because it seemed as though America’s leaders were fine with this foreign balloon making its way across the country while seemingly collecting sensitive data.

But now, more alarming details are emerging from the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident. According to reports from Newsweek, the balloon featured American made technology which is a major cause for concern. If America is helping to give China a leg up on us – whether that’s intentional or not – that’s a major security failure that could negatively affect millions of everyday Americans.

China Used American Tech To Spy On U.S. According To New Report

A Chinese spy balloon that flew across the United States two years ago raised significant concerns when it was suspected of collecting data on American citizens. However, a recent investigation reveals that the technology used in the balloon may have originated from American companies, rather than Chinese surveillance equipment. This discovery adds an alarming new layer to the ongoing debate about how easily sensitive American technology could fall into the wrong hands.

A report from Newsweek has brought new attention to the balloon, which was 200 feet and equipped with satellite communication modules and sensors from multiple U.S.-based companies. These technologies could have enabled the device to gather extensive data on American infrastructure. According to sources cited by Newsweek, the technology used in the balloon matched elements of a patent issued in 2022 to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Aerospace Information Innovation Research Institute, a body with strong ties to China’s military and industrial defense sectors.

The patent in question described a short burst messaging module known as the Iridium 9602, produced by Iridium, a satellite communications provider headquartered in McLean, Virginia, not far from the CIA. The patent’s title, “A high-altitude balloon safety control and positioning recovery device and method,” references technology that could easily be used to enhance surveillance capabilities. Newsweek also noted that, in addition to Iridium’s technology, the balloon contained components from several other U.S. companies, including Texas Instruments, Omega Engineering, Amphenol All Sensors Corporation, and Onsemi, as well as at least one Swiss firm.

Despite this, Iridium maintained that while the company has partners in China, the technology may have been obtained through resale markets. Jordan Hassim, Iridium’s Executive Director for Communications, emphasized that the company does not condone the use of its technology inappropriately.

In addition to the communication modules, investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that the balloon might have been designed to carry additional surveillance equipment, such as deployable devices or gliders that could gather more data. Surprisingly, some of the recovered surveillance equipment, including hard drives potentially containing valuable imagery, was found inside a basic foam cooler rather than in more secure, specialized protective enclosures. This raised questions about the sophistication — or lack thereof — of the balloon’s design.

While China continues to maintain that the balloon was merely a weather research device that accidentally drifted into U.S. airspace, officials and experts are not so convinced. Some believe this is further evidence of the growing risk that U.S. technology, both military and civilian, is being exploited by adversaries. This incident could reinforce the argument that tighter export control laws are essential to preventing sensitive American-made technologies from reaching hostile foreign entities.

The implications of this situation are far-reaching. The United States is already in a highly competitive global race, particularly with China, where both economic and technological supremacy are at stake. The potential for China to gain access to vital American technology, whether through espionage or legal loopholes, could significantly tilt the balance of power.

The fear is that with increasingly sophisticated methods of surveillance and data collection, any advantage gained by China in this technological race could have severe consequences. As the U.S. government and private companies continue to innovate, they must also prioritize the security of their intellectual property, ensuring that American advancements do not inadvertently fall into the hands of foreign powers who may use them for strategic or military purposes. If China is able to access cutting-edge American technology, whether through the balloon or other means, it could strengthen their technological capabilities and pose a direct challenge to the U.S.

Ultimately, the stakes are high. America cannot afford to let its technological secrets slip away, especially when the risks of espionage are greater than ever. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of both private and public sectors in the ongoing battle for technological dominance. The United States must act swiftly and decisively to safeguard its innovations, protecting not just its economic interests, but its national security as well.

Are you concerned with China’s ability to spy on Americans? Are you even more concerned that they’ve used American technology to do so? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!