Current:Home > InvestTaiwan says Chinese balloons are harassment and a threat to air safety-LoTradeCoin
Taiwan says Chinese balloons are harassment and a threat to air safety
View Date:2024-12-23 22:51:16
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s Defense Ministry accused China on Saturday of harassment and trying to affect public morale by repeatedly sending balloons over the self-governing island.
A ministry analysis found that the paths of the balloons posed a serious threat to international passenger flights, according to a report by Taiwan’s official Military News Agency. The ministry called for an immediate end to the activity to ensure flight safety,
“The ministry urged the people (of Taiwan) to clearly understand the Chinese Communist Party’s cognitive combat methods and face it rationally and calmly so as to avoid being affected by it,” the report said.
The purpose of the balloons is unclear, and a Chinese state media outlet has accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party and Taiwanese and American media of hyping what it says are harmless weather balloons. The balloon incidents come ahead of a Jan. 13 presidential election in Taiwan in which the island’s relations with China are a major issue.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has reported several instances of Chinese balloons flying near or over the island in the past month. It said Saturday that two balloons had been detected over the Taiwan Strait on Friday, one 33 nautical miles and the other 51 nautical miles off the island’s northwest coast.
China views Taiwan, which is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off China’s east coast, as a renegade province that must come under its control. Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in an annual New Year’s address this week that Taiwan would “surely be reunified” with China in the future.
veryGood! (29125)
Related
- Monument erected in Tulsa for victims of 1921 Race Massacre
- Western New Mexico University president defends spending as regents encourage more work abroad
- Air pollution and politics pose cross-border challenges in South Asia
- Caffeine in Panera's Charged Lemonade blamed for 'permanent' heart problems in third lawsuit
- Falling scaffolding plank narrowly misses pedestrians at Boston’s South Station
- Jaafar Jackson shows off iconic Michael Jackson dance move as he prepares to film biopic
- Owning cryptocurrency is like buying a Beanie Baby, Coinbase lawyer argues
- Green Day reflect on the band's evolution and why they are committed to making protest music
- A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS funding
- Judge orders release of ‘Newburgh Four’ defendant and blasts FBI’s role in terror sting
Ranking
- Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help
- Econ Battle Zone: Disinflation Confrontation
- Pete Buttigieg’s Vision for America’s EV Future: Equitable Access, Cleaner Air, Zero Range Anxiety
- California governor sacks effort to limit tackle football for kids
- The View's Sara Haines Walks Off After Whoopi Goldberg's NSFW Confession
- Ancient sword with possible Viking origins and a mysterious inscription found in Polish river
- Logan Lerman's Birthday Message From Fiancée Ana Corrigan Is Like Lightning to the Heart
- Two Florida residents claim $1 million prizes from state's cash-for-life scratch-off game
Recommendation
-
Martin Scorsese on the saints, faith in filmmaking and what his next movie might be
-
Attorneys argue woman is innocent in 1980 killing and shift blame to former Missouri police officer
-
Sports Illustrated to undergo massive layoffs after licensing agreement is revoked
-
Score Up to 83% Off Smashbox, Burberry, Clinique, NuFace & More from QVC's Master Beauty Class
-
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Addresses PK Kemsley Cheating Rumors in the Best Way Possible
-
Brutally cold weather expected to hit storm-battered South and Northeast US this weekend
-
4 local police officers in eastern Mexico are under investigation after man is shot to death
-
Shawn Barber, Canadian world champion pole vaulter, dies at 29