China threatens 'further actions' over US downing of suspected spy balloon

China has threatened retaliatory action after the US shot down a suspected spy balloon.

Three airports were closed and airspace was shut down off the South Carolina coast as US military planes targeted the object over the Atlantic on Saturday.

The balloon has stirred tensions and a diplomatic row between China and the US.

China has threatened “further actions” in response to America’s “serious overreaction” after it shot down the balloon.

In a statement on Sunday, Beijing’s foreign ministry said: "China will resolutely uphold the relevant company’s legitimate rights and interests, and at the same time reserving the right to take further actions in response."

The US claims the flying object was a suspected spy balloon and it has committed a "clear violation" of its sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled a visit to Beijing, saying the "surveillance" balloon’s presence was "an irresponsible act".

Later the US reported a second Chinese balloon floating over Latin America. China said it was a weather airship that had been blown astray and it "never violated the territory and airspace of any sovereign country."

Sightings of the balloon were first made public by Pentagon officials on Thursday, though it had entered American airspace via Alaska’s Aleutian Islands three days earlier.

Steered by air currents and solar-powered, it is believed to have carried surveillance and electronic warfare tech.

Its trajectory took it over Montana, where many sensitive US military sites are located.