TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) clarified on Tuesday (Dec. 26) that the presence of Chinese aerial balloons in Taiwanese airspace seven times this year is unrelated to election activities.
SPeaking during a regular press conference, MND spokesperson Major General Sun Li-fang explained that the increased balloon sightings are due to seasonal northeast monsoon winds from October to February, making these balloons potential reconnaissance tools.
Colonel Lo Yung-chang, deputy head of the MND's Office of Operations and Planning, detailed that responses to balloon incursions within 24 nautical miles of Taiwanese airspace will vary based on the level of escalation.
The MND reportedly maintains administrative neutrality during elections and collaborates with national security teams to counter Chinese misinformation efforts. More importantly, Sun emphasized that any misleading Chinese activities will be made public by the MND to uphold citizen morale.
