US Shoots Down Chinese Airship Over Its Territory: Reuters

The United States shot down a Chinese airship on Saturday as it was flying over the southeastern coast of the country, according to Reuters, citing witnesses and officials.

President Joe Biden approved the military plan to down the Chinese airship after the government ordered flights to cease around the South Carolina coast due to what it called "efforts to ensure national security." Earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a planned trip to Beijing following the detection of the Chinese balloon in US airspace.

During a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Blinken referred to the incident as an "irresponsible act." In response, Beijing reacted to the cancellation of the U.S. Secretary of State's visit by emphasizing that "certain U.S. politicians and media have exaggerated this incident to attack and discredit China."

Regarding the unintentional entry of the Chinese drone into U.S. airspace under exceptional circumstances, the Chinese side has acknowledged this and informed the American side.