A Chinese spy balloon was spotted flying over the Taiwan Strait. This was confirmed by Taiwan's Defense Ministry, claiming that the surveillance balloon's appearance happened while there was a large-scale movement of military ships and aircraft in the area.
A silhouette of a demonstrator is seen behind a Chinese flag outside the Chancellery in Berlin on May 31, 2019, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan are holding talks.
Since China's surveillance aircraft was seen before Taiwan's presidential election, some experts are concerned that this could be the Chinese government's way of interfering with the political event.
Here are other details shared by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry.
Chinese Spy Balloon Appears in Taiwan Strait, Defense Ministry Claims
According to Fox News' latest report, Taiwan's Defense Ministry announced that the Chinese spy balloon was spotted passing southwest of the northern port city of Keelung on Thursday, Dec. 7.
The defense agency added that the surveillance aircraft continued flying to towards east before disappearing; officials speculate that the balloon was heading into the Pacific Ocean.
As of writing, Taiwan's Defense Ministry is unsure if the spy balloon was operated by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the People's Republic of China's military branch.
The Defense Ministry's spokesperson also said that they have no additional information regarding the spy balloon as of writing. What they do know is that the incident happened around a month before Taiwan's presidential election, which is scheduled for January 2024.
"I'm not aware of the situation, and it is not a diplomatic question," said Defense Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.
Previously, the Taiwanese government warned that they would shoot down spy balloons that entered their air space. However, officials didn't confirm if it took down the latest Chinese surveillance balloon or if other actions were taken.
Read Also: US Intel Claims Chinese Spy Balloon Program Suspended-Here's Why
China Announces Taiwan Presidential Election Interference Plan
Two white balloons float near the Chinese flag as activist Rev. Patrick Mahoney protests against the Chinese government over the alleged Chinese surveillance balloon that was shot down over the US last week, during a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, February 15, 2023.
CNN reported that the Chinese government has interference plans that could affect Taiwan's presidential election in 2024. This was revealed by CCP's fourth-ranking leader Wang Huning during a high-level meeting.
He urged other Chinese officials to be more discreet and effective in their work to disrupt the upcoming Taiwanese presidential election. Huning said that efforts by different departments to influence the small island's political activity are already being coordinated.
Attending Chinese authorities were ordered to coordinate their efforts with the People's Liberation Army's Base 311 and the Communist Party's Central Propaganda Department.
If you want to learn more details about China's interference plans against Taiwan's presidential election, you can click here.
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