Beijing spokeswoman says the claim should be handled calmly and carefully

The U.S. tracked what officials described as a Chinese reconnaissance balloon over the continental states this week. Amateur footage showed a large flying object over Montana. Photo: Chase Doak

BEIJING—China declined to say whether it sent a spy balloon over the continental U.S. but said it wanted to handle the allegation calmly with Washington.

U.S. officials said on Thursday that a Chinese reconnaissance balloon had been spotted over Montana, adding that it was expected to pass in a southeasterly direction over the country for a few days.

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