Tokyo
CNN
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Japan said on Tuesday it “strongly” suspected three Chinese reconnaissance balloons had intruded into its airspace between 2019 and 2021.
Japan’s defense ministry said three “balloon-shaped flying objects” were detected between November 2019 and September 2021, and they were “strongly presumed” to be “reconnaissance drones” flown by China. I will,” he added.
The ministry said it had asked the Chinese government to “confirm the facts on this matter through diplomatic channels” and urged it not to happen again.
Beijing on Wednesday denied Tokyo’s allegations.
“China resolutely opposes Japan’s smear campaign against China, which lacks conclusive evidence,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference.
Japan’s claims follow a Chinese high-altitude balloon that flew over the US mainland earlier this month.
U.S. officials claim the balloon shot down by a U.S. Air Force jet off the East Coast near Carolina was part of a massive Chinese military surveillance program that has carried out at least 20 missions on at least five continents in recent years. are doing. .
But China claims a civilian research vessel was blown off course.
Wang, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, accused Tokyo of keeping pace with Washington on the new allegations.
Japan should “maintain an objective and impartial stance” and “stop following the United States” by engaging in “deliberate speculation,” Wang said.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense warned in a statement that it would “seek to collect and monitor” balloons that entered Japanese airspace without permission.
Asked whether Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force jets would shoot down unauthorized balloons, Defense Minister Hamada said it was possible.
Hamada said, “If it is deemed necessary to protect the lives and property of the people, we will be able to take necessary measures.”