Pentagon finds 'Chinese spy balloon' over U.S. mainland: Korea coverage

The US Department of Defense announced on February 2nd (local time) that it had discovered an object presumed to be a Chinese surveillance 'balloon' in the sky above the US.

"We are currently detecting and tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon over the United States," Pentagon spokesman Patrick S. He also explained "Once detected, we took immediate action to prevent the collection of sensitive information."

The incident was immediately reported to President Biden.

A proposal to shoot down a surveillance balloon over Montana was proposed, but the Pentagon was reportedly opposed to taking the object down due to concerns over the potential danger from debris and other civilian casualties.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is currently visiting the Philippines, has called the meeting there.