After the United States shot down a suspected spy balloon, thought to be owned by the Chinese, the U. S. Navy was working to recover the debris that fell into the ocean. The balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina, according to defense officials, and Navy divers were conducting exploratory dives to find the remnants.
Meanwhile, U. S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken cancelled his scheduled trip to China as a result of the incident of the balloon traversing the U. S. The U.S. maintained that it is a spy craft. China continued to insist it was a civilian research vessel that was taken off course by the upper altitude winds.
“China’s decision to fly a surveillance balloon over the continental United States is both unacceptable and irresponsible. That’s what this is about. It’s a violation of our sovereignty. It’s a violation of international law,” Secretary Blinken said in an interview on NPR.