Suspected Chinese "spy balloon" flying over the United States- U.S. officials

The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon is tracking a suspected Chinese spy balloon which has been flying over the United States, U.S. officials said on Thursday, a spy-movie like intelligence collection method that recalls the lengths to which Beijing and Washington are willing to go to spy on each other amid increased tensions.

"Clearly the intent of this balloon is for surveillance," a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.