The affair could strain relations between Washington and Beijing, 48 hours before Antony Blinken's visit to China.

The Pentagon is monitoring a Chinese spy balloon flying over US territory, the Pentagon spokesman said.

At the request of President Joe Biden, the Pentagon considered the possibility of shooting him down but the decision was made not to do so due to the potential risks to those on the ground.

Measures have, however, been taken to protect against the collection of information, the official assured.

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