Under Trump's Watch, US Reportedly Saw Several Chinese Spy Balloon Incursions — Even In Sensitive Military Bases

A day after former President Donald Trump said Beijing never sent spy balloons into U.S. airspace during his time at the White House, officials have reportedly pointed out three instances of such an incursion under his watch.

What Happened: During Trump's presidential tenure, Chinese spy balloons were allegedly spotted near sensitive U.S. military facilities and training areas, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

The anonymous sources said the balloons were spotted near Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and the Pacific Ocean island of Guam, where the government has naval and air force bases. The balloons were also spotted near two ports – Norfolk and Coronado – where the U.S. stations its prized aircraft carriers.

See Also: Trump Says Will Be ‘Hunting Down’ Chinese Spies When He’s Back In White House

The report noted that the intrusion of a Chinese aircraft in Guam and Norfolk allegedly had the ability to interfere with radar signals. At the same time, the flights near Norfolk took place when Beijing launched its own such vessels. 

The officials who served during Trump's presidency said the balloons near Norfolk and Coronado both flew at a lower altitude over the ocean within U.S. air space.

The balloons spotted during Trump's tenure in the top office were smaller in size compared to the ones detected recently, and were only seen briefly in U.S. airspace. They were first categorized as "unidentified aerial phenomena" by intelligence officials during Trump's administration and before being identified as spy balloons. The evaluations suggested they originated from China but were not conclusive.

On Monday, President Joe Biden‘s administration offered to brief Trump officials on newly discovered intelligence that Beijing sent spy balloons into U.S. airspace during his tenure in the top office.

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