The Defense Department insists Beijing's assertion about the dirigible's civilian nature is false.
Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told a media briefing there was no possibility the dirigible was a weather-monitoring balloon, as has been insisted by Chinese officials.
"I can assure you this was not for civilian purposes. We are 100 percent clear about that," said Ryder, who called the balloon"an intelligence-collection capability." If it were a weather balloon, he said, any"responsible nation" would have notified governments before an errant aircraft crossed into another's sovereign airspace.] did not do that. They didn't respond until after they were called out," Ryder said.
Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder holds a media briefing at the Pentagon on February 8, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. Ryder said there was no possibility the Chinese dirigible shot down off South Carolina was a weather-monitoring balloon, as has been claimed by Chinese officials.The United States believes the balloon was part of a larger Chinese surveillance balloon program, whose purpose is to surveil military sites.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Exclusive — Sen. Joni Ernst: Biden Admin Still Funding EcoHealth Alliance via Department of DefenseSen. Joni Ernst said the White House is still funding EcoHealth Alliance, an organization which itself funded viral research in Wuhan, China.
Read more »
Australian Defense Department to remove Chinese-made camerasCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s Defense Department will remove surveillance cameras made by Chinese Communist Party-linked companies from its buildings, the government said Thursday after the U.S.
Read more »
Justice Department recommends improvements in training, hiring and accountability for Columbus, Ohio, police department | CNNThe Justice Department has released its recommendations for reform of the Columbus, Ohio, police department following a nearly two-year review process. The report includes suggestions to improve training, hiring and accountability.
Read more »
Nearly 150 New York City police officers violated department rules during 2020 George Floyd protests: ReportNEW YORK — Nearly 150 New York City police officers violated department rules during 2020 protests over the death of George Floyd, according to a new report issued Monday by the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
Read more »
Tesla Model Y To Save Police Department $80,000EVs may eventually be the go-to for police departments and other government agencies, and sooner rather than later if they realize the potential savings.
Read more »
The Department: George Clooney to Direct Showtime's Political ThrillerGeorge Clooney has signed on to direct Showtime's forthcoming political thriller drama titled The Department.
Read more »