Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting a Chinese balloon off its northern coast on Monday, marking the first such sighting in six months. The incident is seen as part of Beijing's ongoing efforts to pressure Taiwan ahead of its presidential election.
Taiwan's defence ministry reported on Monday that a Chinese balloon was spotted over the sea to the north of Taiwan, marking the first such incident since April. Taiwan views this as part of Beijing's ongoing harassment campaign. In the lead-up to Taiwan's presidential election in January, Taipei expressed concerns about the unprecedented scale of Chinese balloon activity, calling it a tactic of "grey-zone warfare" meant to wear down opponents through irregular means rather than open conflict.
China claims Taiwan as its territory, but Taiwan firmly rejects this, stating that only its people can decide the island's future.
According to Taiwan's defence update, the balloon was detected on Sunday at 6:21 p.m. (1021 GMT) about 60 nautical miles (111 km) north of Keelung port. The balloon disappeared roughly two hours later after flying at an altitude of 33,000 feet (10,000 meters), without crossing Taiwan’s airspace.
China’s defence ministry did not comment on the incident. Previously, Beijing has downplayed Taiwan's concerns about the balloons, claiming they were used for meteorological purposes and shouldn't be politicized. The issue gained global attention last year when the United States shot down a Chinese balloon it said was being used for surveillance. China, however, insisted the balloon was a civilian craft that had drifted off course.
Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military activity as Beijing concluded two days of war games around the island, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The United States has condemned China’s recent military actions near Taiwan, labeling them as "irresponsible threats" that escalate regional tensions. The U.S. reaffirmed its unwavering support for Taiwan, stressing that China’s intimidation tactics undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan
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U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
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U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
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