What was China up to?

A weather instrument blown off course or a deliberate provocation of the Biden administration?

Q Why did China fly a balloon over the US?

A Analysts believe the balloon had questionable intelligencegathering ability, and was a clumsy, provocative move to embarrass or rile the US.

Dean Cheng, senior adviser to the China programme at the US Institute of Peace believes it was to test the resolve of the Biden administration ahead of key meetings.

There were three previous intrusions by Chinese surveillance balloons into US air space, two under former president Donald Trump and one at the beginning of Mr Biden’s term.

Q Was it legal?

A The Chinese are saying it is a civilian balloon for meteorology purposes and therefore does not need permission to fly over the US, much like a commercial satellite. The US claims it held surveillance instruments, which raises questions. “This is a spy balloon and it’s violated our territory. It’s a violation of international law.

It’s a violation of our own sovereignty,” said Jeffrey Addicott, St Mary’s law professor and director of the Warrior Defence Project.

Q Why did Joe Biden shoot it down?

A The US president ordered the military to down the balloon as far back as Wednesday. The administration said it was to guarantee the security of the US. But given the limited intelligencegathering ability of the balloon, the motive for taking the balloon out was arguably political, sending a message to the Chinese and Mr Biden’s political opponents at home.

Q What happens now?

A Navy divers have been sent to where the balloon fell. Given that the water is shallow in the area, there is optimism that much of the wreckage will be salvaged, enabling the US to gather its own intelligence about China’s intentions and capabilities.