Canada has released a statement about the presence of a potential China spy balloon only hours after the sighting of a similar object in the skies of Montana.
“A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD,” the Department of National Defence said in a statement.
“Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident.”
The Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence are now involved coordinating a response and are assessing the situation.
“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 Department said.
“We remain in frequent contact with our American allies as the situation develops.”
The first sighting of a balloon in Montana led to confirmation from the Pentagon that it believed the object had been sent from China.
“The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now,” said Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told NBC news.
“We continue to track and monitor it closely.”
A veteran meteorologist from the US has also traced its origins and says his data suggests it originated from central China.
“I did a quick run of the NOAA HYSPLIT model to trace back the path,” Satterfield said.
“Using 14,000 meters over Montana yesterday, I get the following – yup Central China!”