The American network NBC reported that the Chinese balloon was transmitting data live to China.
The photo released by the U.S. Department of Defense of the balloon was taken from an American aircraft.
American media report that the Chinese balloon, which passed over the United States earlier this year, was gathering information from U.S. military bases for several days before being shot down.
NBC network, citing American officials, reports that the balloon was able to transmit the collected data live to Beijing.
According to officials who spoke with this network, the balloon was designed not for photography but for intercepting electronic signals.
The White House has not yet confirmed this report.
However, American officials say they were able to limit the balloon’s ability to gather information while it was passing over U.S. airspace.
