With China threatening to lose more access to Western technology after a suspected spy balloon flew over the United States, Washington and its allies are considering tougher restrictions on the Chinese government, targeting products it needs to boost its military and economic might.
Current and former security officials said the balloon incident highlighted the national security threat posed by China and would garner more political support for stronger U.S. technology protections. The U.S. said the balloon carried antennas and sensors for intelligence gathering and communications.
"It definitely adds fuel to the fire and supports the views of the hardliners on China," said Martijn, a former senior Central Intelligence Agency official now at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank. Rasser said.
The U.S. and Chinese governments have sought to ease tensions in recent months, hoping to put relations between the two nuclear-armed superpowers on a more stable footing.
