“Canada’s intelligence agencies are working with American partners and continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada’s sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.”
The Canadian Armed Forces has issued a statement on the Chinese spy balloon that travelled through Canada and settled over Montana – where a US intercontinental ballistic missile silo base is located.
A Chinese spy balloon has been flying over the United States for a couple of days, U.S. officials said, one a defense expert estimates is equivalent to the size of three bus lengths https://t.co/BhcAHLUddz 1/5 pic.twitter.com/oMrJXNuwgz
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 3, 2023
Of note, the statement references “a potential second incident,” which was not elaborated upon.
The full statement can be read below:
“A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD.
Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident.
NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination.
Canada’s intelligence agencies are working with American partners and continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada’s sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.
We remain in frequent contact with our American allies as the situation develops.”
The spy balloon has already had diplomatic repercussions, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponing a planned trip to China.
Poilievre comments
CPC Leader Pierre Poilievre was asked about the Chinese spy balloon during a press conference.
Here is what he said:
““It’s very concerning that a hostile foreign government had a spy balloon in our airspace.” Pierre Poilievre responds to recent news of a Chinese government surveillance balloon that flew into Canadian and American airspace.”
“It’s very concerning that a hostile foreign government had a spy balloon in our airspace.”
Pierre Poilievre responds to recent news of a Chinese government surveillance balloon that flew into Canadian and American airspace. pic.twitter.com/xWxA70gF6h
— True North (@TrueNorthCentre) February 3, 2023
Strengthen defences
The fact that the balloon made it all the way through Canada and into the U.S. is generating a discussion on the need for Canada to have stronger national defence capabilities.
With such a vast territory to monitor, and with the world becoming more dangerous as authoritarian states ramp up their military spending, Canada can no longer afford to be naïve and complacent.
A significant investment in our military is needed.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – Twitter