Japan, China, and the U.S. Engage in Diplomatic Standoff Over Detection of “Balloon-Shaped Flying Objects

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has reported the detection of three “balloon-shaped flying objects” between November 2019 and September 2021, which are “strongly presumed” to be “unmanned reconnaissance” aircraft flown by China. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has firmly opposed the Japanese side’s “smear campaign against China in the absence of conclusive evidence.”

The U.S. House of Representatives has also voted unanimously to condemn China for a “brazen violation” of U.S. sovereignty and efforts to “deceive the international community.” Japan has asked the Chinese government to “confirm the facts regarding this matter through diplomatic channels” and strongly requested that this not happen again.

In response, China has said it will take measures against U.S. entities related to the downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the American East Coast. China claims the balloon was an unmanned weather airship that was accidentally blown off course and accuses the U.S. of overreacting in bringing it down with a missile fired from an F-22 fighter jet.

The detection of the three “balloon-shaped flying objects” has caused a diplomatic rift between Japan, China, and the U.S. Japan has asked China to confirm the facts regarding this matter through diplomatic channels, while China has accused the U.S. of overreacting in bringing down the balloon. The U.S. House of Representatives has condemned China for a “brazen violation” of U.S. sovereignty and efforts to “deceive the international community.” It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days.