Several Chinese state-owned companies that manufacture armaments are developing balloons for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes.

Chinese media say balloons are well-suited for military use, as they are economical and can remain aloft for long periods of time. They are also able to observe objectives that cannot be detected by ground radars.

China's military is rapidly promoting the development of core balloon technologies in cooperation with the private sector.

The country is apparently aiming to boost its capabilities in space and cyberspace by pursuing the country's military-civil fusion strategy under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.

It says a Chinese balloon shot down by the United States on Saturday was an unmanned civilian airship released for meteorological research.

The United States says it was being used by China to conduct reconnaissance on strategic sites in the US.