US owes explanation after Nord Stream pipeline explosion report: Spokeswoman

The United States should make a responsible explanation to the world, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday, after investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed in a report that last September's Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion was caused by explosives planted by the US.

The explosion has caused a major negative impact on the global energy market and the environment, Mao said.

"If Hersh's investigative report is true, then such behavior is unacceptable and must be held accountable," she said.

Speaking of the limited coverage of Hersh's report by US media outlets, Mao said that "certain media outlets care little about facts or truth".

"They pretend not to see the truth that matters. What they have hyped are often false narratives, instead of the truth," she said.