With the launch of the Chinese balloon over US territory, the deal has become politically sensitive.
(Photo: dpa)
Anyone who already thinks the balloon affair is inflated should be prepared for a few capers. Because the balloon business is by no means a niche business. One of the world’s largest manufacturers of so-called high-altitude balloons comes from China. Zhuzhou Rubber, a subsidiary of the largest Chinese chemical company Sinochem, produces more than 300,000 of these special airships every year.
The weather balloon NSL-40 costs 480 euros, which until a few days ago could be ordered via a B2B platform of the online retailer Alibaba. There, the manufacturer emphasized the strategic importance of near space, among other things, to “maintain national security” and “win modern wars”.
The offer, which was written in English and was aimed at customers abroad, has since been deactivated. With the launch of the Chinese balloon over US territory, the deal has become politically sensitive.
Leaving aside the mutual allegations of espionage between the two world powers, a closer look at the high-altitude balloon business reveals interesting details.
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