A balloon suspected of spying on the United States is actually a civilian research "airship" that was blown off course, China has said. A statement from its Foreign Minister said the airship has limited steering capability and "deviated far from its planned course" due to wind.
It said China regrets the unintended entry of the airship into US airspace. Earlier on Friday, China said it was looking into reports from the US about the balloon.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China is a "responsible country" which has "always strictly abided by international laws" and "has no intention to violate the territory and airspace of any sovereign countries".
