Japan believes past objects in its sky are likely Chinese spy balloons

UPDATE DAY

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 specific balloon-shaped flying objects previously identified in Japanese airspace, including those in November 2019, June 2020 and September 2021, we concluded that the balloons are strongly presumed to be unmanned reconnaissance balloons sent by China,” he said in a statement late Tuesday.

Tokyo also “strongly 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 pointed out.

Japan made its see last week that he was re-analyzing a series of incidents involving unidentified flying objects in light of the Chinese spy balloon shot down by the United States after crossing American 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 above Alaska, the other over Canada and the third over Lake Huron, Michigan.