It should come as no surprise that powerful countries engage in surveillance, but history cautions against overreaction, says political observer Robert Kelly.
It is unclear what intelligence China might have gleaned. There is concern that it identified US missile silos, but these are large, obvious targets. US officials have said that the balloon was unlikely to add significant value to intelligence gathered from other capabilities, such as low-Earth orbit satellites.
The most curious part of this incident, rather, was the balloon’s very public appearance over continental US. People with standard cameras with zoom lenses could see it - and filmed it and put it on social media. The incident predictably provoked partisan political commentary about Chinese intentions. Trump, running for president yet again, naturally weighed in to stir up controversy. Hawks framed the balloon as an incursion, and this very public incident will only harden the congealing anti-Chinese consensus in Washington, especially in Congress.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Commentary: Sharing South China Sea resources is better than the alternative amid worsening energy crisisPart of the largest untapped natural gas deposit lies within China’s claimed “nine-dash line”, fuelling fears it may try to intervene in Indonesia’s exploration and extraction, says this writer.
Read more »
Analysis: China has reasons to keep cool after US downs suspected spy balloonBEIJING/HONG KONG — China may respond to the US shooting down its suspected spy balloon after warning of 'serious repercussions', but analysts say any move will likely be finely calibrated to keep from worsening ties that both sides have been seeking to repair.
Read more »
Commentary: To beat information overload, we need to learn ‘critical ignoring’Critical ignoring is more than just not paying attention - it’s about practising mindful and healthy habits in the face of information overabundance, say these writers.
Read more »
Commentary: Gen Z is right not to trust the system as it standsResearch data shows Gen Z individuals do not trust institutions and corporate systems - so the priority of leaders should be rebuilding that trust, says this academic.
Read more »
Commentary: Why Singaporeans need to spot and live with ‘grey rhinos’ to avoid being trampled underfootAt the launch of the 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing on Monday (Jan 30), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung described population ageing as a “grey rhino”.
Read more »
Commentary: Scams, deepfake porn and romance bots - advanced AI is incredibly dangerous in criminals’ handsIn the wrong hands, generative artificial intelligence could do untold damage, says this writer.
Read more »