ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
US-China tensions

U.S. shoots down Chinese spy balloon over Atlantic Ocean

China accuses Washington of 'overreacting,' says it may take further actions

A large balloon drifts above the Kingstown, N.C. area in the U.S., with an airplane and its contrail seen below it.    © AP

NEW YORK -- A suspected Chinese spy balloon was "successfully brought down" on Saturday in U.S. airspace off the coast of South Carolina state, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

The balloon "was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States," he said, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China, the country's official name.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more