CHINESE BALLOON

Taiwan detects Chinese incursion with aircraft and vessels around nation

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected Chinese aircraft and PLAN vessels around Taiwan, with one aircraft crossing into Taiwan's ADIZ. Taiwan's Armed forces responded amid tensions with China, as reported by Taiwan News in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan detects 27 Chinese aircraft, seven vessels near its airspace, water

Taiwan detected 27 Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels around the Taiwan Strait amid growing tensions with China. The Ministry of National Defence reported incursions into Taiwan's airspace. Beijing's reunification intentions heightened geopolitical tensions. Taiwan News linked the activities to Nancy Pelosi's visit. Grey zone tactics by China and Taiwanese Armed Forces responses have raised concerns.

Forty-five Chinese aircraft, 6 vessels detected near Taiwan, tensions rise

According to official statements released on Wednesday, a total of 45 PLA aircraft and 6 vessels from China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected operating near Taiwan as of 6 am local time. Of particular concern was the intrusion into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) by 26 aircraft, which crossed the median line, venturing into the northern and southwestern sectors of Taiwan's airspace.

China is raising bullet train fares as debts and costs balloon

China raises bullet train fares to address rising costs and debts, impacting public services, state-owned enterprises, and international trade. The country shifts focus to high-tech manufacturing amid concerns over debt sustainability and global competition.

Taiwan detects 7 Chinese naval ships, 2 military aircraft encircling it

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected seven Chinese naval vessels and two military aircraft near Taiwan. Two of the aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, naval ships, and coastal defense missile systems. These actions come amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China, with China considering Taiwan a renegade province. China has increased military activities around Taiwan, with Taiwan tracking Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels multiple times this month. China's use of grey zone tactics, including sending military assets near Taiwan, has escalated since September 2020.

Suspected spy balloon found off Alaska coast, will be handed over to FBI

Commercial fishermen off Alaska's coast have found a suspected surveillance balloon, adding to concerns about espionage activities. The balloon, resembling those used by foreign countries, will be handed over to the FBI for examination.

Taiwan reports more Chinese balloons over Taiwan Strait

Taiwan detects eight Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait, five entering Taiwan airspace. Tensions rise as Taiwan accuses China of aviation safety threat and psychological warfare. China dismisses complaints, citing meteorological purposes. Amid Lunar New Year holiday, both sides remain silent. Chinese warplanes continue Taiwan Strait operations. Taiwan elects new president, offers talks with China. Global concerns over China's use of balloons for spying after US incident last year.

Taiwan reports Chinese balloons at start of New Year holiday

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei, has complained since December about the balloons, saying they are a threat to aviation safety and attempt at psychological warfare.

Taiwan says 6 Chinese balloons flew through its airspace, and warplanes and ships also detected

Amidst rising tensions, Taiwan reports an increase in Chinese balloons drifting over its airspace and navy activity near crucial naval bases. The purpose of these balloons remains undisclosed, contributing to China's broader campaign of intimidation against the self-governed island. While unclear if the balloons hold explicit military functions, they add to China's "gray area tactics," causing concern without direct confrontation. The situation escalates as Chinese warplanes and navy ships are detected around Taiwan, challenging the island's sovereignty. In response to these provocations, Taiwan remains vigilant, monitoring the area with military assets.

What's at stake in Taiwan's elections? China says it could be a choice between peace and war

Taiwan's pivotal election unfolds amid warnings from China of peace or war consequences. Incumbent DPP's Lai Ching-te faces KMT's Hou Yu-ih in a close race, with third candidate Ko Wen-je advocating a middle road. The China factor looms large, with Beijing opposing DPP's perceived separatist leanings. U.S. maintains a strategic ambiguity, supplying Taiwan with defense support. Taiwan's fate impacts U.S.-China relations significantly, as Beijing considers it a core interest. Tensions persist as global economic and security implications surround the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan issues alert over China satellite as poll ramps up security fears

Taiwan issued a national emergency alert after China launched a satellite ahead of its crucial presidential election. The alert, triggered by a mistranslation, caused alarm but was clarified as debris-related. Vice President Lai Ching-te accused Beijing of influencing the election via intimidation tactics. With tensions high, candidates, notably Lai, emphasize caution regarding China's actions, advocating for strength and deterrence against potential threats to Taiwan's sovereignty. The election's significance lies in shaping cross-strait ties amidst Beijing's assertiveness and Taiwan's concerns about maintaining autonomy.

Taiwan island scarred by China war prepares for key vote

Taiwan's Kinmen island, located 200 kilometers from Taiwan island but only seven kilometers from the Chinese mainland, is preparing to vote in a crucial presidential election on Saturday. Kinmen, which lies 200 kilometers from Taiwan island but only seven kilometers from the Chinese mainland, was a battlefield frontline for nationalists who fled to Taiwan in 1949 and was the target of frequent bombardments up until 1979.

Taiwan slams Chinese balloons as safety threat, psychological warfare

Days before Taiwan's elections, its defense ministry accuses China of using balloons to threaten aviation safety and wage psychological warfare. Taiwan is on high alert for Chinese interference, citing military and economic pressure. China's actions, deploying balloons near Taiwan, are seen as part of a "grey zone" tactic, with Taiwan condemning the threat to international aviation. As tensions rise, the U.S. remains concerned, supporting Taiwan's democratic process while China dismisses allegations of interference as attempts to boost a disliked party.

Taiwan slams Chinese balloons as safety threat, psychological warfare

Taiwan has accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island's people with a recent spate of balloons spotted near or over the island, days before key Taiwanese elections. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

Taiwan says Chinese balloons threaten aviation safety

Taiwan's defense ministry accused China of endangering aviation safety by sending balloons near or over the island, seen as psychological warfare ahead of crucial elections. China's use of balloons for surveillance previously drew concern when the US shot down a Chinese balloon in February. Taiwan, alert to Chinese influence, sees this as military pressure. The defense ministry condemned China's actions, labeling the balloons a threat to international aviation safety and part of China's "grey zone" tactics. Efforts to reach China's authorities for comment were unsuccessful.

Taiwan says three Chinese balloons flew across the island

Taiwan is on high alert for Chinese activities, both military and political, ahead of Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections. China claims the island as its own territory.

Taiwan to 'handle' spate of Chinese balloons based on threat level

The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

Taiwan reports more suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing Taiwan Strait

Two suspected Chinese weather balloons crossed the Taiwan Strait, staying north of Taiwan. Detected by Taiwan's defense ministry, these incidents have sparked concerns amid the nation's high alert for potential Chinese interference, especially with upcoming elections. The ministry noted the balloons' trajectory, altitude, and disappearance, leaning towards identifying them as weather balloons, echoing a similar incident earlier in the month.

Chinese military surveillance balloon spotted in Taiwan Strait, island's Defence Ministry says

It also said 26 Chinese military aircraft were detected, along with 10 Chinese navy ships, in the 24 hours before 6 am Friday. Of the aircraft, 15 had crossed the median line that is an unofficial divider between the sides, but which Beijing refuses to recognize. Some also entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone outside the island's airspace.

Chinese fighter jets, spy balloon cross Taiwan Strait ahead of presidential polls

Chinese balloon detected around Taiwan: defence ministry

Taiwan's Defense Ministry detected a Chinese balloon crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line, an uncommon occurrence. Initially thought to be a weather balloon drifting due to monsoon winds, it raised concerns. China's increased military presence near Taiwan contrasts with this unexpected balloon crossing, potentially signaling deliberate testing or political messages. Similar past incidents involving Chinese balloons posed no military threat. China's Foreign Ministry claimed unawareness.

From spy balloons to chocolates: Chinese propaganda frames Xi Jinping's US pivot

In a remarkable turn of events over eight months, China and the U.S. have made substantial progress in their relations. President Xi Jinping, once critical after the U.S. downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon, now stands with President Biden in a collaborative stance. Their recent face-to-face talks in California resulted in the agreement to open a presidential hotline, resume military communications, and tackle fentanyl production.

China has paused its spy balloon operations, U.S. officials say

China has reportedly paused its spy balloon operations following an incident earlier this year where one of the craft floated across the United States and was shot down off the coast of South Carolina. The spy balloon was believed to be part of a program to collect information about military bases and operations in the Pacific.