MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. The United States is trying to stabilize its relations with China, but it’s been difficult, including in the context of an alleged Chinese spy balloon, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said in an interview with TASS.

"With regard to China, I think you know where we are — we are trying to stabilize our relationship but it’s been difficult in the context of the spy balloon that passed over the United States," Nuland said.

Earlier, US authorities had detected a Chinese balloon over the mainland at an altitude well above standard parameters for commercial air travel. It posed no threat to people on the ground. On February 4, the balloon was shot down by a missile in US airspace. According to the Washington administration, China was using this vehicle to gather important intelligence. In connection with the incident, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his visit to China.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry voiced protest over Washington’s attacks and slander. Beijing explained that the Chinese weather probe was in US airspace due to force majeure.