The balloon, spotted earlier this week over the western United States, was brought down when an F-22 fighter jet fired an air-to-air missile at it off the coast of South Carolina.
The airborne surveillance device was first spotted earlier this week over the western United States, setting off a diplomatic crisis. President Biden had been discussing military options with the Pentagon since Tuesday.
Recent efforts by Beijing to mend ties with Washington were showing progress, but the balloon’s appearance over the United States illustrates lingering mistrust and growing tensions.