publish time

07/01/2024

author name Arab Times

publish time

07/01/2024

Taiwan accuses China of balloon-driven aviation threat and psychological warfare ahead of elections.

TAIWAN, Jan 7: Taiwan's defense ministry has accused China of jeopardizing aviation safety and engaging in psychological warfare by releasing balloons near or over the island just days before crucial elections. The use of balloons for potential spying became a global concern when the United States shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon in February, an incident China claimed was accidental.

As Taiwan remains on high alert for Chinese military and political activities leading up to the January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections, the defense ministry claims that China is applying military and economic pressure to interfere in the elections. China asserts territorial claims over the island, a stance rejected by Taiwan's government.

In recent weeks, Taiwan's defense ministry reported multiple instances of Chinese balloons flying over the sensitive Taiwan Strait, with some crossing over the island near major air bases. The ministry labels the balloons as a "serious threat" to international aviation safety, emphasizing their flight paths. It condemns China's disregard for aviation safety and passenger safety on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights.

The defense ministry views the balloons as part of China's "grey zone" tactics, aiming to employ cognitive warfare to impact the morale of the Taiwanese people. This assertion marks a departure from earlier claims that the balloons were primarily used for weather monitoring.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of exaggerating the threat from the mainland, labeling it as election hype. Taiwan's Vice President and DPP's presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, countered China's actions, urging voters to affirm Taiwan's commitment to democracy and freedom.

Taiwan's defense ministry detected two more Chinese balloons within 24 hours, with one briefly flying over the island's far northern tip. China's increased military actions near Taiwan over the past four years, including fighter jets flying over the strait, are seen as part of a "grey zone" strategy.

The United States, a crucial supporter and arms supplier to Taiwan, expressed concern over rising tensions, emphasizing support for free, fair, open, and transparent elections. China dismissed Taiwan's accusations of election interference as "dirty tricks" to boost the DPP's chances, referring to them as separatists.

A Western security source suggested that China's use of balloons sends a pre-election message to Taiwan, signaling close observation and an inability to hide.