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MND: Three PRC balloons spotted near Taiwan amid tensions
Taipei (TVBS News) - The Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that four People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft violated the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) between Wednesday and Thursday morning. A total of 18 PLAAF aircraft and six PLAN vessels were detected around Taiwan during this period. The Republic of China Armed Forces responded by monitoring these violations with Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems. Additionally, the MND noted the presence of three Chinese balloons near Taiwan, floating at elevations between 13,000 and 24,000 feet. One balloon was located 72 nautical miles west of Keelung. The first balloon was detected at 5:57 a.m. on Wednesday, at a height of 24,000 feet, disappearing by 6:32 a.m. Another balloon was spotted at 3:11 p.m., at a height of 13,000 feet, disappearing by 3:57 p.m. The third balloon was seen at 3:30 p.m. at a height of 18,000 feet, disappearing by 4:14 p.m.2024/01/25 11:58 -
Chinese balloons cross Taiwan Strait: MND
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that two Chinese balloons were detected crossing the Taiwan Strait median line within the previous 24 hours, with one passing over Taiwan. The balloons’ transit began on Tuesday morning, with one located 90 nautical miles west of Keelung and the other spotted 113 nautical miles west of Pingtung. Alongside the balloons, Taiwanese forces also observed seven Chinese aircraft and five naval vessels operating continuously in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait during the same period. The Republic of China Armed Forces closely monitored and responded to the situation using mission aircraft, ships, and shore-based missile systems. This announcement by the MND highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and comes at a time of increased cross-strait tension.2024/01/24 14:07 -
U.S. backs Taiwan amid Chinese balloons incursion
U.S. National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, affirms American support for Taiwan’s democracy and urges parties outside Taiwan not to interfere with its democratic process. This comes after Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting three balloons from the Chinese Communist Party crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Following the incident, there were multiple incursions by Chinese aircraft and vessels observed in the area. The Taiwanese military will take appropriate measures based on the nature and potential hazard of the balloons. Although Kirby couldn’t verify the balloon reports, he reiterates U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy and looks forward to free, fair, and transparent elections. He also warns against any external force attempting to interfere with the Taiwanese elections and urges parties outside Taiwan not to meddle with its democratic process.2024/01/05 17:44 -
Taiwan monitors Chinese military activity ahead of elections
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected four Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels operating near the Taiwan Strait, days before the presidential election. Two Chinese balloons were also tracked, with one entering Taiwan’s western airspace northwest of Chiayi, and another spotted northwest of Keelung. The balloons disappeared from radar after crossing the median line. The MND’s flight track map shows that one balloon floated over Taiwan from west to east before disappearing over the Pacific Ocean. The other balloon, named "Air Police 500," flew into Taiwan’s southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ) from China’s coastal airspace. These balloons were likely used for collecting meteorological data and were different from the Chinese spy balloons that flew over the U.S. last year. It is inferred that these floating balloons might have been released by an unknown Chinese entity, as Taiwan has previously found balloons released by China for weather research. Promptly disclosing the movements of Chinese balloons is emphasized to raise public awareness regarding safety measures and counter potential preemptive messaging from China. The national military is currently monitoring the situation and has developed a responsive plan, according to the MND.2024/01/03 11:07 -
Taiwan monitors 6 PLA aircraft, 2 vessels near island
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has reported six instances of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and two Chinese naval vessels near the Taiwan Strait between 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday. In response, Taiwan’s military has deployed aircraft, ships, and missile systems for monitoring and appropriate response. The MND has also disclosed the sighting of two suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait median line at the northern end. The balloons were approximately 110 nautical miles northwest of Keelung, flying below an altitude of about 27,000 feet, and drifting eastward. These developments occur amidst increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan, as Beijing considers the island a renegade province to be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.2023/12/18 14:22