Chinese balloon sparks tension as Taiwan detects intrusion in air defense zone, raising alarm over Beijing’s aggressive tactics.
At a Glance
- Taiwan detected a Chinese balloon over waters northwest of the island, the first sighting since April
- The balloon was spotted at 6:21 p.m. on Sunday, 111 kilometers northwest of Keelung City, at an altitude of 33,000 feet
- 12 Chinese military aircraft and 7 warships were also detected around Taiwan in the same 24-hour period
- Taiwan considers these balloons a form of “gray zone” harassment, not an act of war
- The incident occurs amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, especially ahead of Taiwan’s January presidential election
Chinese Balloon Detected in Taiwan’s Air Defense Zone
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported the detection of a Chinese balloon within its air defense identification zone on Sunday, marking the first such sighting since April. The balloon was observed at 6:21 p.m., approximately 111 kilometers northwest of Keelung City, flying at an altitude of 33,000 feet. It remained in the zone for nearly two hours before disappearing at 8:15 p.m. This incident has reignited concerns over China’s ongoing pressure tactics against the island nation.
The balloon’s appearance coincides with a surge in Chinese military activity around Taiwan. In the same 24-hour period, Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven warships in the vicinity. This escalation of activity, particularly the use of balloons, is viewed by Taiwan as part of China’s “gray zone” tactics—actions that challenge sovereignty without crossing the threshold into open warfare.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported that a Chinese balloon had been detected over the sea to Taiwan's north, the first time since April it has reported such an incident in what Taipei views as part of a pattern of harassment by Beijing https://t.co/IZoZbp2Iq6
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 25, 2024
Rising Tensions and Disputed Claims
China’s persistent claim over Taiwan as part of its territory, coupled with its refusal to rule out the use of force to gain control, has long been a source of tension in the region. Beijing’s deployment of military assets, including fighter jets, drones, warships, and now balloons, around Taiwan has become increasingly frequent, especially in the lead-up to Taiwan’s January
Despite Taiwan’s concerns, China vehemently denies sending balloons over the island. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has dismissed questions about the incident, with spokesperson Mao Ning stating, “First of all, Taiwan does not have a ‘defense ministry.’ Furthermore, the question you asked is not a diplomatic one.” This response underscores China’s refusal to acknowledge Taiwan’s sovereignty and its dismissal of the island’s security concerns.
International Implications and Precedent
The balloon incident near Taiwan comes in the wake of heightened international scrutiny of China’s balloon activities. In early 2023, the United States shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, claiming it was gathering intelligence over sensitive military sites. China, however, maintained that it was a civilian airship blown off course. This event significantly strained U.S.-China relations and brought global attention to the potential use of balloons for surveillance purposes.
Taiwan’s defense officials have noted an “unprecedented scale” of balloon activity in recent months, particularly as the island’s presidential election approaches. While China insists these balloons serve meteorological purposes and pose no political threat, Taiwan and its allies remain skeptical. The recurring presence of these balloons, combined with other military maneuvers, contributes to an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension in the Taiwan Strait.
