<p>China said Thursday it refused an offer of a call with the US defence chief because of Washington's "irresponsible" decision to shoot down an alleged surveillance balloon last week.</p>.<p>"This irresponsible and seriously mistaken approach by the US did not create a proper atmosphere for dialogue and exchanges between the two militaries," China's defence ministry said in a statement.</p>.<p>"The US insisted on using force to attack the airship, which seriously violated international practice and sets a bad precedent," it added.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/4-previous-instances-of-chinese-balloons-flying-over-us-territory-says-pentagon-1189499.html" target="_blank">4 previous instances of Chinese balloons flying over US territory, says Pentagon</a></strong></p>.<p>"China reserves the right to use necessary means to deal with similar situations."</p>.<p>The Biden administration last week shot down a large white balloon after it drifted across the United States, saying it was being used by China for surveillance purposes.</p>.<p>Beijing admitted that the inflatable had originated in China, but has insisted it was for civilian use.</p>.<p>The episode led US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to postpone a visit to Beijing aimed at reducing tensions as he accused China of violating US sovereignty.</p>.<p>Blinken said he sought to maintain communication with China, but a Pentagon spokesman said China rebuffed a request for a call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe immediately after the shootdown.</p>
<p>China said Thursday it refused an offer of a call with the US defence chief because of Washington's "irresponsible" decision to shoot down an alleged surveillance balloon last week.</p>.<p>"This irresponsible and seriously mistaken approach by the US did not create a proper atmosphere for dialogue and exchanges between the two militaries," China's defence ministry said in a statement.</p>.<p>"The US insisted on using force to attack the airship, which seriously violated international practice and sets a bad precedent," it added.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/4-previous-instances-of-chinese-balloons-flying-over-us-territory-says-pentagon-1189499.html" target="_blank">4 previous instances of Chinese balloons flying over US territory, says Pentagon</a></strong></p>.<p>"China reserves the right to use necessary means to deal with similar situations."</p>.<p>The Biden administration last week shot down a large white balloon after it drifted across the United States, saying it was being used by China for surveillance purposes.</p>.<p>Beijing admitted that the inflatable had originated in China, but has insisted it was for civilian use.</p>.<p>The episode led US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to postpone a visit to Beijing aimed at reducing tensions as he accused China of violating US sovereignty.</p>.<p>Blinken said he sought to maintain communication with China, but a Pentagon spokesman said China rebuffed a request for a call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe immediately after the shootdown.</p>