China has claimed that the alleged spy balloon seen over the United States is actually a “civilian airship” that had deviated from its planned route.

However, American defense officials believe that the balloon, which was observed above sensitive areas in recent days, is a high-altitude surveillance device.

In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the balloon was mainly used for meteorological purposes and expressed regret over its unintended entry into US airspace. The object was reported to have flown over Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, through Canada, before finally appearing over the city of Billings in Montana on Wednesday.