Chinese Spy Balloon Reaches Central US

The Chinese spy balloon that was spotted over Montana earlier this week has moved to the airspace over the Central United States, Pentagon officials say.

The news of the balloon’s new position comes just after Chinese officials claimed the balloon — which is about the size of two school buses — is actually a “weather research airship” that has flown off course.

Despite the claim, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday announced he’s canceled a planned trip to China, during which he was hoping to ease tensions between the two countries. The balloon continued its path through U.S. airspace after stopping over Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base on Thursday, sparking speculation that China is gathering information on the U.S. military.

At the time, a source with the Pentagon said the government has opted against shooting down the balloon, fearing someone on the ground would be injured.