Learning English

'Spy balloon' row 

Was it a 'spy balloon' the US shot down? China says no

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The story  

A Chinese balloon has been shot down by the US Air Force, near the country's coast. 

Washington believes it was a spy balloon, while China says that it was just monitoring the weather.

The incident has led to the delay of an important diplomatic visit to China.

Key words and phrases

deflate
to take the air, energy or force out of something

• My tyres deflated after I drove over some broken glass.
• My hopes of getting the job were deflated when I saw who the other candidate was.

bickering
arguing over something unimportant

• Stop bickering with your brother about that game.
• Stop bickering and do your homework!

on edge
tense due to being nervous or worried

• What's the matter? You've been on edge all day!
• After that argument, I was on edge all day.

To do

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