(Tokyo) A new analysis of unidentified flying objects that have flown over Japan’s airspace in recent years “strongly” suggests they were Chinese spy balloons, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry.
“After further analysis of the specific balloon-shaped flying objects previously identified in Japanese airspace, including those from November 2019, June 2020 and September 2021, we have concluded that the balloons are strongly presumed to be reconnaissance balloons. unmanned aircraft sent by China,” he said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
Tokyo also “firmly requested the Chinese government to confirm the facts” of the incident and “that such a situation does not happen again in the future”.
“Violations of airspace by foreign unmanned reconnaissance balloons and other means are completely unacceptable,” the statement said.
Japan said last week it was re-examining a series of incidents involving unidentified flying objects in light of the Chinese spy balloon shot down by the United States after flying through US territory.
Following this incident, the US military adjusted its radar settings to detect smaller, slower-moving objects, and discovered three other unidentified craft that President Joe Biden ordered shot down: one over Alaska, the other over Canada, and the third over Lake Huron, Michigan.