A new intelligence report has confirmed that the Chinese spy balloon that crossed US airspace in 2023 relied on technology from American manufacturers to conduct surveillance. The findings contradict the Biden administration’s early claims that the balloon posed little threat and was not part of a deliberate espionage effort.
Sources familiar with the classified analysis said that at least five US companies supplied key components used in the balloon’s data-collection systems. Texas Instruments, Omega Engineering, Amphenol All Sensors Corporation, and onsemi were all identified as suppliers of sensors and communication modules. Swiss-based STMicroelectronics was also found to have contributed parts used in the balloon’s operation.
🚨The Chinese spy balloon that traveled over half of the U.S. in 2023 was packed with technology produced by at least five private American companies.⁰
It's troubling that our adversaries can purchase U.S. tech and use it to spy on the American people. https://t.co/zdvQyTGNpQ— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) February 11, 2025
The presence of a satellite communication module within the balloon indicates that it was capable of transmitting collected data back to China. Analysts also discovered empty storage compartments, suggesting the balloon may have been designed to deploy small, unmanned gliders to expand its surveillance capabilities.
Chinese spy balloon that traversed US airspace was packed with American tech: report https://t.co/dSRTQo4Tsg pic.twitter.com/Wk8DSZmeV7
— New York Post (@nypost) February 11, 2025
Despite these revelations, the Biden administration continued to dismiss concerns. Biden stated shortly after the balloon was shot down that “it was more embarrassing than intentional,” despite warnings from security officials that the device was likely collecting intelligence over military sites.
The people who:
-Supported the FBI spying on parents at school board meetings
-Sent IRS agents to your door
-Praised illegal aliens crossing the border in record numbers
-Let a Chinese spy balloon fly across the country
Have a huge problem with DOGE.
Wonder why?
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) February 11, 2025
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the administration’s response. “They are trying to collect information about our military capabilities in preparation for conflict,” he warned, pointing to the balloon as part of a larger strategy by China to monitor US defenses.
The use of US-made technology in China’s espionage efforts has raised serious concerns over whether American companies are unknowingly aiding adversaries. Calls for stricter export regulations are growing as lawmakers seek to prevent future security breaches.
