Japan Investigates Alleged Chinese Drone Footage of JS Izumo – The Diplomat

A video allegedly recorded by a Chinese drone flying over Japan’s largest warship since World War II, JS Izumo, has been circulating on social media platforms in China and beyond. This has prompted the Japanese Defense Ministry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to launch an official investigation into its authenticity.

The 19-second video and accompanying photos of JS Izumo were posted on the video-sharing platform bilibili on March 26 by a user with a Chinese name who claimed they were captured by a drone at the JMSDF Yokosuka Base in Kanagawa Prefecture, home to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.

While the footage has been removed from bilibili, it has been reposted on other social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.

In Japan, flying drones over SDF-related facilities and their surrounding areas, such as the Yokosuka base, is prohibited by law. Violators could face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 500,000 yen ($3,300).

Apart from the legal implications, the video raises concerns about ensuring safety around military bases in Japan.

Comments on X warned of potential security threats if the video was an infiltration by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru expressed skepticism about the video’s authenticity, suggesting it could be fabricated with malicious intent.

Admiral Sakai Ryo of the JMSDF stated that they are investigating whether the video was taken from a drone or if it was manipulated. Security measures to counter drone threats at the base were also outlined.

There is speculation that the individual who posted the footage may also be behind similar drone photography in North Korea. The authenticity of the videos and images remains uncertain, raising questions about their origin and purpose.

To address the spread of unfounded suspicions, Japanese and U.S. authorities should promptly disclose the results of their investigations into the video’s authenticity and take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future.