[ramlaen]

Per WaPo.

- The aerial surveillance program is indeed run by the PLA.
- The spy balloon effort operates in Hainan province.
- These surveillance airships have been spotted over five continents.
- A briefing was given on China’s balloon espionage for some 150 people from about 40 embassies. Every US Embassy received “detailed information” on the espionage that can be shared with allies and partners.
- US officials have begun to share specifics with officials in countries such as Japan whose military facilities were targeted.
- In recent years, at least four balloons have been spotted over Hawaii, Florida, Texas and Guam.
- A Chinese spy balloon crashed off the Hawaiian islands last June. This yielded information, including the nature of the technology China is using.
- Some of the balloons are outfitted with electrooptical sensors or digital cameras that can capture highly precise images. They also are equipped with radio signal and satellite transmission capability.