[Updated at 12:02 p.m.] Chinese military engineers likely got to examine the wreckage of the U.S. stealth helicopter that crashed during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, according to news reports.
"We have reason to suspect China was given access, but we cannot confirm it definitively. We have strong suspicions," a U.S. official told CNN.
Pakistani intelligence operatives likely gave the Chinese access to the wreckage, the New York Times reported, citing American officials and other intelligence sources.
The Chinese engineers were able to photograph the wreckage and take samples of the stealth skin that helps the chopper avoid radar detection, intelligence sources told the Financial Times.
When the aircraft crashed during the raid that killed the al Qaeda leader in May, Navy SEALs destroyed most of it to protect the technology. But the tail section remained mostly intact and it was that area that the Chinese engineers examined, according to the New York Times report.
U.S. intelligence is basing its opinion that the Chinese got access to the stealth copter on intercepted phone conversations, the Times reported.
A U.S. official says “we have reason to suspect China was given access but we cannot confirm it definitively. We have strong suspicions.â€
Pakistani officials contacted by the New York Times refused comment on the matter. The Financial Times said a Pakistani official denied the accusations.
Both newspapers noted that China and Pakistan enjoy a longstanding military relationship.
The raid that killed bin Laden, staged without informing Pakistan, stoked tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan.
In July, the U.S. said it was withholding $800 million in aid to Pakistan.
"They've taken some steps that have given us reason to pause on some of the aid which we're giving to the military, and we're trying to work through that," White House Chief of Staff William Daley said at the time.
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Post by: CNN's Barbara Starr, CNN's Brad Lendon Filed under: China • Military • Pakistan • World |
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If the Chinese did get access to the wreckage, it's the fault of the US military. How could they not secure the area until the wreckage could be transported and disposed of safely? This is just careless, and we'll have to pay for our carelessness... unless the chopper wasn't as advanced as billed.
Lmao, how long would you have liked them to "secure the area" for ? They were a small task force in a foreign country with no back up. They probably starped as much explosives as they had to that thing and said a prayer.
Don't feed the trolls......
cant believe how much you American's help other countries. I cant speak for other countries but
in Canada all I see on TV is how much these people hate you and you still fork out billion's and billions for aide.
when Hurricane Katrina happened I didn't see any other country run to your rescue other than some Canadian helicopters. I could be wrong but it seems a little unfair? America is not perfect but what country is?
( On behalf of Canada thanks for unrecognized humanitarian help, not all countries hate America )
Totally agree with this comment, I'm from Canada too and I think Americans are too generous when it comes to aiding other countries. U.S.A. is great from Canada
The propaganda machine is alive and well. Give 1 billion and take back 2 billion
I ruv Amelica!
China commits espionage daily. They pay many people in the US to divulge military secrets. Of course they're going to work with Pakistan to get access to the downed copter. I'm sure they were happy to provide a hefty sum of American dollars to Pakistan in exchange. Prepare for WW3 in about 10-15 years when China decides to flex its muscles.
All you need to do is watch movies like Hero to know how the Chinese think.
Considering they can't even produce safe milk or toys, i wouldn't put too much faith on their military technology
Actually apparently China doesn't really like to pay for information, but exploit emotions ethnic chinese may have surrounding China.
Tiger Trap is a decent book on Chinese espionage activities in America.
The technology must not have been that great since helicopter crashed. Besides, we had fighter bombers in the air and we did not bomb the remnants of the helicpoter.
@ Canadian
Sure. Not all countries are invaded and occupied by us.
This was certainly not a rescue mission. We carried out a covert mission stealthly in another country and lost a chopper in the process. A country we call our ally and who has lost 30000 lives in this war against terror for us.
How many canadians have lost their lives fighting this war for us ?
As long as we continue military intrusions abroad such risks would remain a part of the game.
S T F U !!
157 actually. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/afghanistan/casualties/list.html
And the Commander in Chief's response?
VACATION
On a bus campaigning while China is acquiring our technology.
Well?
Are you really that dumb? Well?
WHY IN GODS NAME ARE WE SUPPORTING THEIR MILITARY WITH AMERICAN TAX DOLLARS!????????? THEY ARE SOO FRIENDLY WITH CHINA, LET THEM GET THE MILITARY AID FROM CHINA!!!!OUR GOVERNMENT POLICIES ARE SOO REDUCILOUS!!!!!!WHATEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are getting a lot of military help from china, how do you think they acquired nuclear technology? US is just a money minting machine for them. Squeeze billions of $ in the name of fighting terror.
Everything about china is so bootlegged and fake. the name alone conjures up fakeness, cheats, copycats,bootleg, hypocrites...
Everything about china is so bootlegged and fake. the name alone conjures up fakeness, cheats, copycats,bootleg, hypocrites, thieves...
I'm so glad this happened. Finally the snake Pakistan bit the hand that's feeding it. Come on USA, we Indian's have been begging you to stop funding the Pakistani terrorists, sorry military, for years – which they used to grow terrorism groups. We always told you just don't look the other side because you think they just use those funds to kill innocent Indians, and will never come after you. At least now US should learn the lesson, you can not feed violence and expect them to be loyal. Not the Pakistanis, not even the Israelis, no violent group will ever be loyal to you forever. Stop indirectly funding world wide terrorism targeting USA.
Keep your enemies closer. It may not be comfortable, but it is the smart strategy.