How has China reacted to the balloon saga?
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| Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has said the US has acted "irresponsibly" |
China's claim that the US has flown balloons into its airspace marks the latest in a series of shifting positions the country has taken on a saga that has gripped the world.
It has been almost two weeks since the US first accused China of floating a spy balloon over its territory.
The incident has provoked a range of responses - from indignation to fevered speculation - from the Chinese government and people.
Silence, then admission
After the Pentagon first announced the existence of the balloon on 2 February, Chinese officials refrained from an immediate response, only breaking their silence the following evening.
