Chinese authorities rejected a U.S. proposal for bilateral talks at the level of the defense ministers of the two countries over Washington's decision to shoot down a Chinese balloon, EFE news agency reported.

"The Chinese Defense Ministry does not accept the proposal for talks between the defense ministers of both countries, given the U.S. mistake of attacking a Chinese civilian unmanned aerial vehicle," the Chinese military said in a communiqué, excerpts of which were quoted by the agency.

"This irresponsible, misguided act by the U.S. shows that we do not have an adequate and appropriate atmosphere for dialogue," it noted.

The recent appearance in the skies over the U.S. of a Chinese balloon, which Washington described as a reconnaissance balloon, led to a diplomatic scandal between the two countries. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken even postponed a visit to Beijing scheduled for February 5-6, accusing China of violating the sovereignty of the United States.

The Chinese side said that the balloon was a weather balloon and explained its appearance over U.S. territory by force majeure circumstances. The Pentagon eventually shot down the balloon.

Earlier, on February 8, it was reported that Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe refused to talk to Pentagon Chief of Staff Lloyd Austin after a Chinese balloon was shot down over U.S. territory.