United States shoots down Chinese spy balloon over Atlantic Ocean

A suspected Chinese spy balloon over Montana.
(Image credit: Chase Doak via Reuters)

The United States on Saturday shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had made its way across much of the continental U.S.

"At the direction of President Biden, U.S. fighter aircraft...successfully brought down the high-altitude surveillance balloon launched by and belonging to the People's Republic of China (PRC) over the water off the coast of South Carolina," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.