The high-profile spectacle of an alleged Chinese surveillance balloon flying over the continental US is shining a spotlight on the prevalence of similar incidents around the world, from Taipei to Latin America.
While the US is believed to use such devices, officials have said the balloon shot down off the South Carolina coast this weekend is part of a broader global surveillance program rolled out by Beijing. It highlights the escalating intelligence battle between the US and China, utilizing everything from geostationary satellites and signals intercepts to old-fashioned spy craft. Now balloons have suddenly been thrust back to the fore as a key part of that arsenal.
