China Trying to Keep Balloons Deflated
For the past few years, China has been trying to play down the influence of their balloons in the global economy, but lately it’s proved to be increasingly difficult. Here are a few of the reasons why:
Trade War with the US
The ongoing trade war between China and the US has been a major factor in making it difficult for China to argue that their economy is nothing more than a balloon. The US has placed billions of dollars worth of tariffs on Chinese imports, and the Chinese government has responded in kind with tariffs of their own. This has caused both sides to suffer economic losses, but it has also demonstrated to the world that China’s power is far from just a balloon.
The Growing Strength of the Chinese Yuan
The Chinese yuan has been steadily increasing in strength over the past few years. This has made it more difficult for China to play down the importance of their currency, as the yuan is now seen as a legitimate alternative to the US dollar on the global stage. This is particularly true in Asia, where the yuan is seen as a safe haven currency and has become widely accepted across the continent.
Increased Global Attention
In recent years, China has become a major player on the global stage. Its actions are closely watched by world leaders, and its influence cannot be discounted. From its involvement in global politics to its economic clout, China is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, and its economy cannot be downplayed as just a balloon.
Conclusion
It is clear that China is no longer able to play down the importance of their economy as just a balloon. With their growing might, increased global attention and the ongoing trade war with the US, the country can no longer deny the importance of their role in the global economy.
China is trying its best to play down its ambitious program to develop a high-altitude, long-endurance “heavy-lift” balloon, despite the persistent reports from the international press and space industry sources that the nation is developing one, as well as other balloon technologies.
China’s efforts have become even more difficult to ignore as the government releases news about the progression of research and development for the balloon, with various government departments proclaiming their discoveries and even the names of research teams.
The Chinese government has yet to openly admit to having a heavy-lift balloon project, with official press releases avoiding the weight and scale of the purported balloon.
According to Zhang Hongli, a Grand Strategy professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China’s use of balloons is part of its military modernisation process, as well as a measure against the defence systems of other nations.
The proliferation of high-altitude balloons and the potential for military applications of such technology is one of the primary concerns voiced by international observers and those within the space industry. This has become even more apparent with the release of statements by China about the development of the balloon, as well as the reports by sources from the country which state that experiments are being conducted at the Asia-Pacific Aerospace Technology Center (APATC).
The possible applications of the balloon have been the source of much speculation, with reports suggesting the potential for espionage, surveillance or even weapons delivery capabilities.
These reports, though denied by the Chinese government, have raised many questions about the long-term security implications of the balloon capabilities, as well as China’s intentions.
While the Chinese government is still attempting to maintain secrecy and play down its heavy-lift balloon project, it is becoming more and more difficult to deny the growing evidence of its development. And with the rise in international concerns surrounding the balloon, this may become an even bigger issue should the project move forward.
