China says it reserves right to respond to downing of surveillance balloon

The balloon's flight over the U.S. added tension to the U.S.-China relationship.

A massive Chinese surveillance balloon that moved across the continental U.S. this week has been shot down.

The Pentagon has confirmed the balloon was being used for surveillance, disputing China's claim that it was a civilian aircraft used for meteorological purposes. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the balloon didn't pose a physical or military threat, and once it was detected, the U.S. took steps to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information.

The FBI is expected to take custody of any recovered components of the balloon and ship them to its lab in Quantico, Virginia, for analysis and intelligence gathering, a senior government official told ABC News.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed a planned trip to China as the balloon's presence over the continental U.S. added new tension to the U.S.-China relationship. Blinken called the balloon a "clear violation" of U.S. sovereignty and international law.


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Biden again ignores questions on Chinese balloon

President Joe Biden didn’t answer questions reporters shouted about the Chinese surveillance balloon as he left the White House and boarded Marine One shortly after 1 p.m. Friday.

Biden has yet to publicly comment on the balloon since it was confirmed to be flying over the continental U.S. by officials on Thursday.

Biden is heading to Philadelphia, where he and Vice President Kamala Harris will appear at an infrastructure event in the afternoon and then later will speak at the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting.


'Gang of 8' staff received classified briefing on Chinese surveillance balloon

Staff to the so-called "Gang of 8" received a classified briefing on the balloon by the administration Thursday afternoon, according to multiple congressional officials.

The "Gang of 8" refers to the group of congressional leaders who are briefed on classified intelligence matters. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., requested a meeting with the group on Thursday.

"China's brazen disregard for U.S. sovereignty is a destabilizing action that must be addressed, and President Biden cannot be silent," McCarthy said.

It's unclear if the classified briefing for the staff is a precursor to their bosses being briefed. No meeting appears to be on the books so far.

-ABC News' Trish Turner


Surveillance balloon is 'maneuverable,' Pentagon says

After saying the Chinese surveillance ballon was headed eastward, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said the balloon is "maneuverable."

"So, the balloon is maneuverable. Clearly, it's violated U.S. air space, and again we've communicated that fact to the PRC," Ryder said.

"The balloon has changed its course, which is why we are monitoring it. That is as specific as I can get," he said, not giving further details on how it could be maneuvered.

"We continue to assess and make appropriate decisions based on how we are going to address what we perceive as a potential threat," Ryder added. "The safety and security of the American people is paramount. At this time we assess it does not pose a physical threat to people on the ground."


Pentagon confirms shooting down balloon was an 'option'

Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed Friday that shooting down the balloon was considered.

"In terms of the discussions about whether or not to shoot down this balloon, that was an option. That was something that was taken into consideration," Ryder said. "Again, because we assessed that currently it does not pose a physical or military risk to people on the ground, for now we are continuing to monitor and review options."

Ryder said because of the "size" of the balloon, "any potential debris field would be significant and potential cause civilian injuries or deaths or significant property damage."

Ryder was asked multiple times if the U.S. will shoot down the balloon once it's over a body of water.

"We are monitoring the situation closely, but beyond that I will not have any additional information," he said.

When asked how close President Joe Biden was to ordering a shootdown of the balloon, Ryder said he "will not get into internal discussions with the White House."


Biden doesn’t take any questions about balloon as he talks economy

President Biden declined to take any questions about what U.S. officials call a Chinese surveillance balloon as he discussed the latest jobs report on Friday morning.

"If you want to ask me a question about the economy, but I'm not going to answer any questions about anything else because you never will cover this," Biden said.

Reporters shouted several questions about the balloon as Biden exited the South Court Auditorium but he didn't stop to answer them.