Beijing, Feb 6 : China expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the US use of force to attack China's civilian unmanned airship, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Sunday in a statement.

According to the statement, the spokesperson of the U.S. Department of Defense also noted the balloon does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground.  Under such circumstances, the U.S. use of force is a clear overreaction and a serious violation of international practice.  China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the company concerned, and reserve the right to make further responses if necessary, the statement said.