Japan is considering easing the rules for using force against any intrusions by foreign balloons, according to its defense ministry, after reports that Chinese balloons had been seen flying over the country in the past years.
The existing regulations allow the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to only shoot down foreign devices in self-defense or in times of emergency, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.
The ministry proposed at a meeting on Feb. 15 that Japan’s military be permitted to use weapons against intrusive objects, given that SDF law allows “necessary measures” to be taken against foreign aircraft intruding Japan’s airspace.
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada made a similar assertion on Feb. 14 that Japan’s military can take necessary measures to bring down foreign balloons violating Japan’s airspace in order to protect its citizens….