China says ‘spy balloon’ is for research and accidentally strayed off course

A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Montana (Larry Mayer/The Billings Gazette/AP)

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.