Some Chinese media outlets report that authorities in the eastern province of Shandong have spotted an unidentified flying object and are preparing to shoot it down.

The reports on Sunday said the object was sighted over waters about 60 kilometers southeast of Qingdao, and that local maritime authorities issued an alert to fishing boats.

The media said fishers were also asked to take photos as evidence if the object were to fall nearby.

But local officials reportedly told Chinese reporters that they had no further information about the object.

Qingdao is home to China's Northern Theater Command, one of the country's naval fleets.

State-run media have not reported anything so far.