The massive balloon has not yet entered Canadian airspace, according to Canadian officials. The aircraft passed over the Canadian Arctic, Alberta and Saskatchewan before it was spotted flying over a nuclear launch site in Montana on Thursday. According to sources, it was tracked throughout its stay in Canadian airspace.
U.S. fighter jets investigated the balloon after being flagged by Norad, the joint U.S.-Canadian air defense agency. The balloon was not equipped with weapons, but was equipped with high-resolution cameras.
While Canadian officials knew about the balloon since the weekend, the Department of National Defence confirmed tracking it late Thursday night, after the U.S. announced it had been spotted.
Asked why the public was not informed until after the balloon had entered U.S. airspace, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino cited the sensitivity of the timing.
To ensure that we do not compromise our operations or the techniques we use to protect Canadians in any way, we need to strike a balance. On Friday, he told CTV News Channel’s Power Play that “we’re upfront about what needs to be done and when that information can be shared.”
In addition, we work closely with our allies on that front as well. And we’ll continue to do so in order to protect our perimeter, our sovereignty, and our national security.”
As part of its statement, the Defence Department said it was monitoring a “potential second incident,” but did not elaborate. According to sources, a smaller object may have been released from the balloon, posing a threat to airplanes. Pilots in Alberta and Saskatchewan have been advised to avoid the area.
U.S. intelligence is aware of at least four of these balloons from China, including the one the Pentagon confirmed was floating over Latin America late Friday night.
There are currently heightened tensions between China and the West due to this incident. In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said the balloon did come from China and apologized for its entry into U.S. airspace, but insisted it was used for civilian research purposes rather than espionage.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scheduled to visit Beijing on Friday for high-level talks, but his visit has been abruptly cancelled. Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada has summoned China’s ambassador, Cong Peiwu.
Global Affairs Canada officials summoned China’s ambassador to Canada on Friday. “We will continue to vigorously express our position to Chinese officials,” GAC spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod said.
