Shortly before the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Taiwanese military again discovered several suspected Chinese balloons above its territory. Experts suspect that the balloons could be used to intimidate the population before the elections.
One of the balloons flew from the west over the center of the East Asian island nation on Wednesday, while the other two were discovered over the sea in the west and northwest, the Ministry of Defense in Taipei said on Thursday.
Should the population be intimidated before voting?
Experts suspect that the balloons could be used to intimidate the population before the elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing initially did not respond to a question on Thursday morning (local time) about what the intention was with the balloons.
The incidents are reminiscent of the overflight of a Chinese balloon in the US last year. Washington accused Beijing of using it for espionage. However, China said the balloon had drifted and was being used to measure the weather. The US took the plane down.
The new discoveries about Taiwan could have something to do with the January 13 elections. “China deliberately took advantage of the favorable southwesterly wind to regularly release such non-motorized weather balloons and fly over Taiwan, intimidating the people of Taiwan before the election,” Su Tzu-yun of the Taiwan Institute for National Defense and Security Research. German news agency. Michelle Lin of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also said the balloons were intended to intimidate the people of Taiwan.
Balloons can endanger aviation safety
Since Monday, Taiwan’s military has spotted nine balloons over its territory. Five of them flew over the island. Su said the balloons spotted over Taiwan were similar in size to weather balloons. The one in the US was bigger. However, Su said the balloons could endanger aviation safety at the altitude at which they fly.
Beijing wants reunification with Taiwan
China continues to intimidate Taiwan and its government. Beijing considers the island part of its national territory, citing history, and wants reunification, if necessary by military means. Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, which is still in power, stands for independence.
The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, in which 19.5 million people are expected to vote, will have a say in the future relationship between Taipei and Beijing. In addition to the DPP, China-friendly parties such as the Kuomintang are also active.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
