TOKYO -- The chase of two suspected spy ships that intruded into Japan's waters and then fled toward North Korea has deeply alarmed many here, renewing calls Wednesday for Japan to bolster its defense capabilities.
The two ships, first spotted early Tuesday, were pursued through Japanese waters for about 24 hours by the coast guard and navy destroyers, which repeatedly fired warning shots. It was Japan's first such use of military ships since World War II.Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi defended the dispatch of the military ships and said further study was needed for future response to intruders. Last week, Japan's Parliament began debate on bills to strengthen the country's military alliance with the United States.
"Although we could not stop or inspect the suspicious ships, it was significant in clarifying our nation's commitment to security," Obuchi said. The chase was called off early Wednesday after the ships left Japanese waters.
Officials said they could not positively identify the nationality of the boats but said they bore false names, had suspicious antennas, no visible fishing gear and no national flags. Tokyo officials said they believed the ships were from North Korea.
In Washington, Defense Department spokesman Kenneth Bacon said the United States had made surveillance aircraft available to Japan in tracking the ships.