Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has strongly condemned China for repeatedly sending balloons across the strait, calling it a disregard for civil aviation safety. The ministry highlighted that these balloons pose a serious threat to the safety of international flight paths, urging Beijing to cease these actions immediately.
Between January 1 and 5, Taiwan reported 12 instances of Chinese balloons crossing the median line in the waters separating Taiwan from China. Some of these balloons even floated over Taiwan's main island, heightening concerns about the safety of the region. China, which had previously refrained from such actions, has recently increased military activities, including flying warplanes across the median line.
The Ministry's statement coincides with Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections on January 13, where China's threat has become a prominent theme in the campaign. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent statement reiterating the Communist Party's claim over Taiwan has further escalated tensions.
China has rejected allegations of surveillance and insisted that the balloons serve purely civilian purposes. This development adds to the already strained relations between Taiwan and China, with concerns about territorial sovereignty and military provocations.
The use of balloons as a means of provocation has historical significance, notably seen in a similar incident between China and the United States last year. A Chinese balloon that floated over the US led to diplomatic tensions, with the US claiming it was for surveillance and subsequently shooting it down, while China insisted it was for weather purposes. Taiwan's decision to publicly disclose balloon sightings comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash