On Feb. 4, 2023, a balloon originating from Beijing, China was shot down by a F-22 fighter jet over the Carolina coast. “The balloon, which was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States, was brought down above U.S. territorial waters,” the Secretary of Defense said. The balloon fell off the Carolina coast, in very close proximity to Coastal Carolina University. This balloon, believed to be a spy operation by U.S. officials, continued to break relations between the U.S. and Chinese government. The Chinese government claimed the balloon as theirs; however, they made the claim that it was only a runaway weather balloon, and did not have spy intentions. Many U.S. officials believe this claim was fraudulent in an attempt to cover up China’s true intentions. The balloon was first detected on Jan. 28, 2023 over Alaska. On Feb. 1, Joe Biden ordered the balloon to be safely shot down, but the actions were suspended until the balloon reached an altitude above water in order to ensure that there would be no damage on U.S. soil or private landowners. “Military commanders determined that there was undue risk of debris causing harm to civilians while the balloon was overland,” a senior defense official said. The balloon was shot approximately six miles off the coast into about 47 feet of water. While the balloon was taken down according to plan, President Biden is taking great criticism from other politicians for what is believed to be a slow reaction. Criticisms include the fact that the balloon could travel over the entire country before it was shot down, and many believe that if it was a spy balloon, the mission was completed before it was taken care of. “China strongly disapproves of and protests against the U.S. attack on a civilian unmanned airship by force,” the Foreign Ministry said. Chinese officials responded with backlash after the U.S. Air Force’s actions. Many explicitly stated that the actions will damage relations between the countries for an indefinite time, and some have threatened retaliation for the actions that they believe to be an overreaction.