China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said an unmanned airship sighted in Latin America is from China and is for civilian purpose of flight testing.
Spokeswoman Mao Ning dismissed the Pentagon report that it is a Chinese spy balloon flying over Latin America.
"The unmanned airship is verified to be from China and is for civilian purpose of flight testing. Affected by the weather with limited self-steering capability, the airship deviated far from its planned course and unintendedly entered the airspace of Latin America and the Caribbean," Mao said.
Mao said the airship would pose no threat to any country.
"As a responsible country, China has always strictly observed international law. It has informed all parties concerned and properly handled it. The airship will not pose any threat to any country. All parties concerned also understand this," Mao said.