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How close is suspected Chinese spy balloon to Nashville?

Gary Estwick Andy Humbles
Nashville Tennessean

As Americans scan the skies this week, searching for a suspected Chinese spy balloon, the massive vessel is expected to pass over or near Nashville, as well as the state of Tennessee, based on projections of its eastward path.

The balloon is traveling at approximately 60,000 feet, and not believed to be an imminent threat.

The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security is not tracking the suspected spy balloon, spokesperson Wesley Moster said. The National Weather Service office in Nashville is not tracking the spy balloon either.

The vessel’s actions mark a "clear violation" of sovereignty and international law,  Biden administration officials said Friday. So much so that Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed an imminent trip to China because the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon.

China has rejected U.S. claims that the balloon is being used for surveillance, calling it a "civilian airship" that blew off course, according to a report by USA Today. It's been spotted over the Western U.S., according to the Associated Press.

U.S. officials have stood by their assessment and have said it has occurred in the past, the USATODAY report states.

The latest according to USA Today

  • Where it is: The balloon had been drifting over Montana where the Pentagon has nuclear missile silos. On  Friday, the balloon was located over the center of the U.S. at about 60,000 feet moving eastward, the Pentagon's Ryder told reporters. 
  • What it is: The balloon is designed for surveillance, according to the Pentagon. But it likely is unable to collect more information than is available to spy satellites. 
  • Steps taken: While the Pentagon decided against shooting down the balloon, the government took steps to prevent it from collecting sensitive information.
  • Fighter jets sent: F-22 fighter jets, the most advanced warplane in the Pentagon's arsenal, were sent to observe the balloon.
  • Not first time: It’s not the first time Chinese spy balloons have flown over the United States. an official said.
  • Not a risk to aircraft: The balloon is flying so high that it does not present a danger to civilian aircraft, Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, said in a statement.

USATODAY contributed to this report.