Just when you thought the political circus couldn’t get any more entertaining, we’ve got ourselves a real high-flying act. Grab your popcorn and settle in, because this story about balloons, spies, and political hot air is about to take off faster than you can say “Chinese surveillance.” Let’s dive into the latest controversy swirling around our esteemed Vice President and her Democratic cohorts.
The Balloon Company Connection
At the center of this political tempest is World View, a company co-founded by none other than former astronaut and current U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. Initially focused on space tourism using stratospheric balloons, World View later pivoted to providing remote sensing and surveillance services. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal?” Well, buckle up, because here’s where things get interesting.
Chinese Investments Raise Eyebrows
World View received venture capital from China’s Tencent in 2013 and 2016, a fact that’s now raising more than a few eyebrows. Why? Because Tencent has some cozy ties with the Chinese Communist Party. As if that weren’t enough to set off alarm bells, the U.S. government is now planning to add six Chinese companies to an export blacklist due to their links to a military-backed global balloon espionage program.
“As we matured our technology, we recognized an opportunity for immediate use cases for our technology through remote sensing services to defense, scientific and commercial customers.”
This statement from World View highlights the company’s shift towards more military-oriented applications, a move that’s now under intense scrutiny given the Chinese investments.
Political Fallout and Future Implications
Senator Kelly stepped away from World View in 2019 to pursue his U.S. Senate run, but the political fallout from these connections is far from over. As the 2024 election looms, Kelly’s name has been floated as a potential vice-presidential candidate. However, his ties to World View and its Chinese investments could prove to be a significant political liability.
“Mr. Kelly has also not faced the harsh spotlight of a national campaign, and has potential political liabilities like a high-altitude surveillance balloon company he helped found with Chinese investment.”
This quote from Fox News underscores the potential challenges Kelly might face if he were to be considered for higher office.
It’s worth noting that Kelly has taken stands against China in his role as a senator, including supporting legislation to protect U.S. interests. However, in the world of politics, perception often trumps reality, and these connections could prove difficult to shake off.
Wider Implications For The Democratic Party
The controversy doesn’t stop with Kelly. As the Democratic Party looks towards 2024, this issue could have broader implications. Other potential vice-presidential candidates, including various governors and Biden administration members, will likely face increased scrutiny over any connections to China or Chinese investments.
“Today, our primary business remains providing remote sensing services to the U.S. Department of Defense and her allies by way of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as servicing scientific organizations like NASA, NOAA and others to better understand Earth from the unique atmospheric layer of the stratosphere.”
While World View maintains its focus on serving U.S. interests, the Chinese investment angle continues to cast a shadow over the company and its political connections.
As the story unfolds, it’s clear that the intersection of national security, foreign investment, and political ambitions will remain a hot-button issue. For Kamala Harris and other Democratic figures, navigating these turbulent skies may prove to be one of their biggest challenges yet.
Sources
- Former astronaut Sen. Mark Kelly started spy balloon company funded by China
- Kamala Harris Vice Presidential Candidate Tied To Spy Balloon Company With Chinese Funding
- Who Is in the Running to Be Kamala Harris’s VP?
More from Around the Web
Biden Addresses Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon
Chinese Spy Balloon Used U.S. Internet Provider to Communicate
VP Harris: We’re ‘Confident’ Chinese Balloon ‘Was Used by China to Spy on the American People’
In an interview with me yesterday, VP Kamala Harris said she doesn't think the Chinese spy balloon negatively impacts relations between the two countries. https://t.co/V0JZK0CY3l
— Eugene Daniels (@EugeneDaniels2) February 15, 2023
