Why the Chinese Spy Balloon is a Huge Embarrassment for Beijing

The unfolding spy balloon saga appears to have dizzied China's diplomats, who have struggled for credibility in the past days by going on the offensive.

Observers continue to be confounded by the decision-making process in Beijing, as well as by the Chinese government's choice to portray itself as the wronged party, having begun with a conciliatory tone that might have salvaged its reputation amid the fresh diplomatic fallout.

Just weeks after welcoming Antony Blinken's widely expected visit to Beijing, China responded to the U.S. secretary of state's decision to postpone...