The reports are likely related to a US military surveillance aircraft operating near China, the defense ministry press office said, according to the Global Times on Thursday.
The Pentagon said Wednesday that the incident took place in international airspace Tuesday as the US maritime patrol aircraft carried out "a routine US patrol".
Last week, the Chinese Defense Ministry said frequent US Navy patrols in the South China Sea are forcing Beijing to boost its defense capabilities in the area amid rising tensions in the disputed waters.
The South China Sea has become a source of tension between China, the US, and some other regional countries, who are seeking control of trade routes and mineral deposits there.
China has on different occasions asserted its sovereignty over the sea, parts of which are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Washington has accused Beijing of attempting to take advantage of the situation and gradually asserting control over the region.
China, however, rejects the allegations and says the US is interfering in regional affairs, deliberately stirring tensions in the South China Sea.