‘Unexpected, isolated incident’: Chinese foreign ministry over balloon row

China spy balloon: "This is an unexpected, isolated incident," spokesperson Mao Ning said.

China and the United States should handle the Chinese unmanned airship entering the U.S. airspace in a calm, proper manner without the use of force, a spokesperson with China's Ministry of Foreign affairs said at a regular press conference on Monday.

Remnants of Chinese spy balloon drift above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina. (AP)

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"This is an unexpected, isolated incident," spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked about the seriousness of the incident.