Taiwan accuses China of endangering international aviation by sending balloons towards the island. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense describes the practice as a form of “psychological warfare”.
Taiwan has repeatedly reported balloons flying near or over the island in recent times. The authorities there are on high alert in the run-up to the January 13 elections. The outcome of that election could have major consequences for the relationship with communist China.
Taiwan’s ministry says sending balloons shows “disregard for aviation safety and that of passengers on international and cross-Taiwan Strait flights.” China has not yet responded to that criticism.
Weather balloons or spy balloons?
It is unclear what the function of the balloons is. This may include weather balloons intended for meteorological research. The US shot down a Chinese balloon last year that the Americans said could be used to gather intelligence.
Relations between China and Taiwan deteriorated after the election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She is seen by Beijing as a separatist. China regards democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory. It also regularly sends fighter planes to the island.
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