UK to launch Chinese spy balloon probe as ministers warn over 'hostile state' using satellites over Britain | The Sun
MINISTERS will launch a probe into Chinese spy balloons amid concerns the hostile state has already invaded British air space.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace vowed to investigate what possible intrusions mean for UK national security and how threats from China are reshaping international relations.
Mr Wallace said: “The UK and her allies will review what these airspace intrusions mean for our security.
"This development is another sign of how the global threat picture is changing for the worse.”
Last week the Defence Secretary exclusively told The Sun that Chinese balloons could have spied on the UK and he would have shot them down if they were spotted.
This morning Transport Minister Richard Holden confirmed the same, telling Sky News it was possible that "Chinese spy balloons have already been used over the UK".
Earlier this month the US military took down a balloon the size of three buses, which was spotted lurking near nuke bases around Montana.
Most read in News
Four boys arrested over 'rape of a girl, 15, at school'
I saw two hooded men trying to hide faces near Nicola's dog-walking route
Girl, 16, stabbed to death in 'targeted attack' pictured as cops hunt 2 people
Nicola cops widen their search after questioning theory she fell in river
A US official said that the balloon had flown over areas that contained sensitive airbases and nuclear missiles in underground silos.
MPs in Britain have sounded the alarm over similar acts happening closer to home.
"It is also possible, and I would think likely, that there would be people from the Chinese government trying to act as a hostile state," Mr Holden told Sky News.
"I think we have to be realistic about the threat these countries pose to the UK.
"I think the Government is concerned about what's going on."
READ MORE POLITICS
Truss allies on collision course with Sunak as they demand tax cuts
Rishi Sunak praises Sun readers as Earthquake Appeal soars past £1MILLION
Meanwhile, a UK visit from the Chinese chief overseeing the brutal persecution of Uighur Muslims is causing fury in Westminster.
Senior Tories are raging that Ministers are allowing the Governor of Xinxiang, Erkin Tuniyaz, to come to Britain this week.
At 10am this morning Uighur activists will protest the visit outside the Foreign Office.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who has been sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party, will be in attendance.
In a letter to the Foreign Secretary, Rahima Mahmut
Executive Director of Stop Uyghur Genocide, said: "We remind the Government just how close to home this genocide is for many people living in this country.
Most read in The Sun
Sam Smith in row backstage at Brits after huge glitch causes secret chaos
Major BBC reality show CONFIRMED for epic comeback
Dancing on Ice fans all have the same complaint about the judges and Patsy Palmer
Man Utd and Leeds release joint statements slamming supporters for vile chants
"There are survivors here that still bear the physical and psychological scars of torture, most of them just too terrified to speak out.
"Engagement must have its limits. Meeting with Chinese Communist Party officials sanctioned by the UK’s closest allies for atrocity crimes must be a red line."
Source: Read Full Article