Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the detection of three more Chinese surveillance balloons flying across the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of such activity. One of the balloons reportedly crossed over the island of Taiwan. The defense ministry has been on high alert for Chinese activities, both military and political, ahead of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 13.
The potential use of balloons for spying gained global attention in February 2023 when the United States shot down what it claimed to be a Chinese surveillance balloon. China insisted that the balloon was a civilian craft that had accidentally drifted off course.
Taiwan has raised concerns about China’s military and economic pressure, alleging interference in the upcoming elections. China considers Taiwan as its own territory, a claim rejected by Taiwan’s government.
In recent weeks, Taiwan’s defense ministry has reported multiple instances of Chinese balloons flying over the sensitive Taiwan Strait, crossing airspace to the island’s north before disappearing. This week alone, there have been two incidents of balloons crossing over Taiwan.
In the latest update on Chinese military activity, the defense ministry mentioned three Chinese balloons flying over the strait, with one crossing the center of Taiwan island before disappearing. The ministry has refrained from commenting on the purpose of these balloons but previously suggested they might be used for weather monitoring.
China’s defense ministry has not provided comments on these recent balloon activities. Over the past four years, China has intensified military activities around Taiwan, with Chinese fighter jets and warships regularly operating in the strait. The situation adds tension to the already complex cross-strait relations.
Read Now:Delhi Faces Setback in Air Quality: 2023 PM2.5 Levels Surpass 2022, Reversing Progress
