The controversy surrounding the Chinese balloon that soared across the United States has finally been put to rest. The balloon has been shot down over the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pentagon is investigating why it was allowed to continue on its path.
The high-altitude balloon was first spotted over Montana, and a second balloon was spotted over Latin America. The shoot down occurred over the Atlantic Ocean just east of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and efforts are being made to recover the balloon for study. A full air ground-stop was in effect in the area until 3:30 pm. ET to facilitate the balloon takedown.
Political and public pressure to down the balloon mounted in the last few days, with one Congressman calling for an investigation as to why it was allowed to continue on its path. President Biden said today to reporters, “We’ll take care of it.” A few hours later, the balloon was shot down.
The Chinese foreign ministry has claimed that the balloon was a civilian balloon used for meteorological purposes that was blown off-course. Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly canceled a high-stakes Beijing trip aimed at easing U.S.-China tensions.
President Biden said that they didn’t want to do damage to anyone on the ground and congratulated the aviators who successfully took it down. The balloon was shot down when it was over water and within the 12 mile limit.
The controversy surrounding the Chinese balloon has finally been put to rest, and the Pentagon is investigating why it was allowed to continue on its path. President Biden has congratulated the aviators who successfully took it down, and the Chinese foreign ministry has claimed the balloon was a civilian balloon used for meteorological purposes that was blown off-course. The shoot down of the balloon is a reminder of the tensions between the United States and China and the importance of international relations.
Source: deadline.com