TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taipei’s Ministry of National Defence in Taiwan has reported a third sighting of a Chinese balloon crossing the sensitive median line separating Taiwan from China.
The detection follows similar incidents earlier this month, raising concerns over potential political implications. Chinese balloons became a contentious issue in February when the United States shot down what it claimed to be a spy balloon, while China insisted it was a civilian airship off course.
Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers its territory, first reported a balloon crossing the median line on December 8. The recent sighting occurred at approximately 67 nautical miles northwest of the city of Keelung, with the balloon reaching an altitude of around 15,000 feet before heading east and disappearing. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence emphasized its commitment to monitoring such activities.
While Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng suggested the possibility of the balloon being used for meteorological research, tensions remain high in the region. Taiwan is on alert ahead of upcoming presidential elections, with both Taipei and Washington cautioning Beijing against exerting influence over the electoral process. China has increased political and military pressure on Taiwan, conducting regular military maneuvers around the island.
As geopolitical tensions persist, the recurring incidents involving Chinese balloons contribute to the complex dynamics between Taiwan and China.
