A new analysis of unidentified aerial objects flying over Japanese airspace in recent years “strongly” suggests they are Chinese spy balloons, according to Tokyo’s defense ministry.
“After further analysis of special balloon-shaped flying objects previously identified in Japan’s airspace, including in November 2019, June 2020 and September 2021, we have concluded that the balloon is believed to be an unmanned reconnaissance balloon flown by China,” the ministry said. . said in a statement late Tuesday.
Also read: China accuses US of sending balloons into its airspace
He said he “really asks the Chinese government to confirm the fact” of the incident and “such a situation will not happen again in the future”.
“Violations of airspace by foreign unmanned reconnaissance balloons and others are unacceptable,” he said.
Japan ‘no evidence’
Beijing hit back on Wednesday, saying Japan had no evidence.
Also read: US does not fly balloons in China – White House
“Japan is making baseless accusations and defaming China without clear evidence. We are strongly opposed to this,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters.
Japanese media say government officials are considering relaxing rules on taking objects from the air that violate airspace.
Currently, weapons can only be used if there is a clear and present danger, Kyodo news agency reported.
Unidentified aerial object
“This case, I think, raises concerns for us that it could be a big hole in Japan’s defense,” said security chief privacy officer and former defense minister Itsunori Onodera to Wednesday’s meeting.
Japan said last week it was re-analyzing a series of incidents involving unidentified aerial objects in light of a Chinese spy balloon shot down by the United States after crossing US territory.
Also read: Biden warns US will take action on China after balloon drops
After the incident, the US military adjusted its radar settings to detect smaller objects and found three other unidentified ships that President Joe Biden ordered to be shot down – one in Alaska, another in Canada and the third in Lake Huron in Michigan.