Pentagon Tracking Chinese Spy Balloon Surveilling Sensitive Nuclear Weapons Sites In US

The United States is tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon spotted flying over highly-sensitive nuclear weapon sites in the country, according to the Pentagon.

The balloon was recently seen above the western state of Montana, which houses underground Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile silos.

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said the department was confident that the balloon belonged to the People’s Republic of China.

"Instances of this activity have been observed over the past several years, including prior to this administration. The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground," Ryder said.   

The US government has reportedly contacted the Chinese government through the Chinese embassy in Washington and the US diplomatic mission in China in this regard.