Taiwan detects Chinese balloons crossing median line on New Year
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Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported the detection of two Chinese balloons breaching the median line that demarcates the separation between Taiwan and China, with one balloon flying directly above the island, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
The incursion occurred late on January 1, when the balloons traversed the median line over the Taiwan Strait, which is a crucial waterway that separates Taiwan from China. The sightings were observed at two distinct locations: one near the western city of Chiayi and the other near Keelung in the north.
An illustration provided by the ministry delineated one balloon's trajectory, showing its path moving east directly above the island after its appearance northwest of Chiayi along the western coastline.
The statement from the Ministry of National Defence specified that the balloons were flying at altitudes ranging between approximately 30,000 and 32,000 feet (9-10 kilometers). It further noted, "The balloons headed northeast and disappeared at 23:43 yesterday and 00:43 today," reported AFP.
The recent sightings of Chinese balloons come amid heightened tensions as Taiwan's significant presidential election approaches on January 13. Taiwanese authorities have documented a total of six such incidents throughout December.
Notably, the issue of Chinese balloons gained political sensitivity in February when the United States intercepted what it claimed to be a spy balloon over its territory. China contended that the craft was a civilian airship that had drifted off course.