A diplomatic row erupted between China and Israel over mugs, the Times of Israel reported.

The Israeli Security Service (Shin Bet) said it checked travel mugs donated by the Chinese embassy to the ministry and concluded they did not contain hidden listening devices.

Shin Bet experts, who examined the suspicious part, concluded that it is designed to maintain a vacuum seal in the walls of the cup and maintain its temperature over time, the agency said in a statement.

The Shin Bet launched an investigation after being alerted that a routine security check found that one of several travel mugs donated by the Chinese embassy to government agencies contained a suspicious item. The suspected component was first reported by Army Radio.

All the mugs sent by the embassy were collected for further verification by the Shin Bet.

Moreover, all government agencies were ordered to take special care when receiving gifts from foreign organizations, as they may contain listening devices or cameras.

According to an unnamed Israeli official quoted by the Walla news site, the mug that initially raised suspicions was sent by the Chinese embassy to the Ministry of Science and Technology and was most likely destined for Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen.

The Chinese Embassy in Israel was outraged by the reports, calling them unfounded rumors that have serious consequences as they aim to drive a wedge between China and Israel, tarnish China's image and mislead the public.

The embassy said the mugs were donated for Passover as an expression of friendship between Israel and China.

A diplomatic source quoted by Army Radio said the Shin Bet's announcement came after Beijing's demand that Israel release an official statement clearing it of any alleged wrongdoing.