Chinese spy balloons and their operations
The rivalry between the United States and China has emerged as one of the most significant geopolitical and economic issues of the 21st century. As two of the world's largest economies and military powers, the competition between the US and China is characterized by a range of factors, including trade, technology, territorial disputes, human rights, and ideological differences. The tensions between the two nations have intensified in recent years, as China has pursued a more assertive foreign policy and the US has sought to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This rivalry is shaping the global political and economic landscape and has significant implications for regional and global security, stability, and prosperity.
In the midst of a growing list of accusations and allegations, the United States and China are once again in a confrontation, this time over the deployment of spy balloons. The recent issue at hand is that the United States has accused China of flying a "spy balloon" over sensitive areas in Montana. The balloon is said to be the size of three buses and carrying a "large" payload. The US views this as a potential threat to national security. China, in response, has stated that the object is a civilian airship used for meteorological research and has denied any allegations of espionage. Beijing has insisted that the balloon was operating within international law and regulations.
In such a light, the aim of this article is to first explore the meaning of spy balloons, their operational mechanisms, and why they are preferred over spy satellites. The section that follows will go over instances in which China has been accused of using spy balloons to gather intelligence. Finally, the last section will analyse whether there are any international laws that govern the use of such spy balloons.
What are Spy Balloons?
Spy balloons, also known as aerostats, are a type of aerial surveillance technology that can be used for various purposes, including military and civilian intelligence gathering. They can be either tethered to the ground or free-floating and operate at high altitudes for extended periods. Tethered balloons are connected to the ground with a cable that provides power and communication to the balloon while also keeping it in a fixed position. Free-floating balloons, on the other hand, can move with the winds and cover larger areas of land.
The use of spy balloons can be traced back to the 18th century when they were used for military purposes. During the American Civil War, the Union Army used tethered balloons to observe Confederate positions and movements (Service, n.d.). Since then, the technology has evolved, and the balloons have become more advanced, with improved sensors, cameras, and communication systems.
Tethered balloons are still in use today for military purposes. They are often used for surveillance and reconnaissance, and they can provide a stable and long-duration platform for collecting information. They are also used for communication purposes, especially in remote areas, disaster zones, and border security. The US-Mexico border uses tethered balloons to monitor border activities and detect illegal activities (Long, 2016).
Free-floating spy balloons, also known as high-altitude balloons, have been used in civilian and military applications. For example, Google's Project Loon, which aims to provide internet access to remote areas, uses free-floating balloons (PS, 2015). These balloons can also be used for meteorological research, climate change monitoring, and studying atmospheric conditions.
The operation of spy balloons varies depending on their design and purpose. Tethered balloons are usually deployed in fixed positions, whereas free-floating balloons are released into the air and move with the wind. They are equipped with a range of sensors and cameras that capture visual and audio data. This data is then transmitted back to the ground station or satellite for further analysis. The technology has become increasingly advanced, and spy balloons can now operate for long periods, covering vast areas of land, and providing high-quality real-time data.
As far as the operational mechanism of spy balloons is concerned it is relatively simple. They are filled with helium or other gases that make them buoyant and capable of floating in the air. As we have mentioned earlier, they are either tethered to the ground and may be free floating.
Spy balloons have several advantages over other forms of surveillance, such as spy satellites. They are less expensive to operate and maintain, can be deployed quickly, and can be used in areas where satellite coverage is not available. However, they are also vulnerable to bad weather and can be affected by high winds and lightning strikes.
Surveillance from Above: China's Use of Spy Balloons Under Scrutiny
According to a report from the Washington Post, a number of anonymous officials from defence and intelligence have revealed that China has been using surveillance balloons located in Hainan province off its southern coast to gather information on military assets in various regions of strategic importance, including but not limited to Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The surveillance balloon programme has reportedly been in operation for several years (Ellen Nakashima, 2023).
On February 14, 2023, Japan's Ministry of Defense has also accused China of using unmanned surveillance balloons to gather intelligence in Japanese airspace. The accusation was made after an analysis of previous sightings of balloon-shaped flying objects, with the ministry concluding that the balloons were strongly suspected of being operated by China. The sightings occurred in November 2019, June 2020, and September 2021, with two of them taking place near the Sendai Space Museum and the other near Hachinohe, both located near several Self-Defense Force camps and bases. The ministry has demanded that the Chinese government confirm the matter and take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In response, Japan has pledged to increase its intelligence-gathering and monitoring of foreign spy balloons (Johnson, 2023). China's Foreign Ministry has responded to Japan's accusation by criticizing it for following the US and engaging in “artificial speculation” and causing a commotion (Banerjee, 2023).
Airspace and Surveillance: An Exploration of International Law on Spy Balloons
Following the above discussion, one might wonder: how international law defines and regulates airspace, as well as whether there are any existing international legal frameworks that control the use of aerial surveillance devices like spy balloons.
Airspace refers to the physical space above a country's territory, which falls under its jurisdiction and control. It is a critical aspect of national security, and countries have the sovereign right to regulate the use of their airspace. International law recognizes the right of countries to exercise sovereignty over the airspace above their territories, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulates the use of airspace for civil aviation purposes.
Regarding the use of spy balloons, there are no specific international laws that govern their use. However, the use of these balloons can be considered a violation of a country's airspace if they enter the airspace without the country's consent. Countries may have laws and regulations regarding the use of aerial surveillance equipment, and the unauthorized use of spy balloons may violate these laws.
If a country detects a spy balloon or any other unauthorized aerial vehicle in its airspace, it can take a variety of actions depending on the severity of the violation. These actions can range from diplomatic protests and demands for the removal of the aerial vehicle to more forceful actions such as interception or shooting down the vehicle. However, the use of force is typically a last resort and must be in line with international law.
In some cases, countries may also choose to engage in diplomatic negotiations to address the issue of unauthorized aerial vehicles in their airspace. This can include discussions on the use of aerial surveillance equipment and the establishment of protocols for the use of such equipment in a manner that respects the sovereignty and security of other countries.
Conclusion
Spy balloons used to gather intelligence over other countries can cause diplomatic tension, national security concerns, and legal repercussions. Violating another country's airspace is a breach of international law and may lead to sanctions or other penalties. To avoid such consequences, countries should respect international law and avoid infringing on other countries' airspace. Alternative intelligence-gathering methods such as satellite imagery should be used to avoid violating airspace. Dialogue and diplomatic efforts should also be encouraged to resolve disputes and avoid conflicts. Collaborating on joint missions and sharing intelligence can be a better option than engaging in covert operations. By following these measures, countries can prevent infringement of airspace and maintain good relations with other countries.
References
1. Banerjee, A. (2023, February 16 ). ‘Don’t make a fuss’: China asks Japan to dismiss rumours of spy balloon in its airspace. Retrieved from First Post : https://www.firstpost.com/world/dont-make-a-fuss-china-asks-japan-to-dismiss-rumours-of-spy-balloon-in-its-airspace-12165632.html/amp
2. Ellen Nakashima, S. H. (2023, February 07). Chinese balloon part of vast aerial surveillance program, U.S. says. Retrieved from The Washington Post : https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/02/07/china-spy-balloon-intelligence/
3. Johnson, J. (2023, February 15). Japan eyes eased rules for firing on aircraft violating airspace. Retrieved from The Japan Times : https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/15/national/japan-shoot-down-balloons-eased-rules/
4. Long, D. (2016, April 11). CBP's Eyes in the Sky. Retrieved from U.S. Customs and Border Protection : https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats
5. PS, K. (2015, December 18). Project Loon: How Google plans to use balloons to connect India. Retrieved from Business Standard : https://www.business-standard.com/article/technology/project-loon-how-google-plans-to-use-balloons-to-connect-india-115121700504_1.html
6. Service, N. P. (n.d.). Air Balloons in the Civil War. Retrieved from National Park Service : https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/air-balloons-in-the-civil-war.htm
Pic Courtsey-Michael Dziedic at unsplash.com
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
