Taipei: Taiwan’s defense ministry has reported the presence of six Chinese balloons near the island within a 24-hour period, marking one of the highest recent figures recorded. This development comes amid ongoing military pressure from Beijing, which continues to assert its claim over Taiwan.
According to the ministry, the balloons were detected between 6:00 am Friday (2200 GMT Thursday), along with nine Chinese military aircraft, six warships, and two official vessels operating in the vicinity of Taiwan. While Chinese balloons are frequently observed in the region, this latest sighting stands out as a significant increase, based on military activity data.
China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has escalated its military presence around the island in recent years, frequently deploying warplanes and naval vessels while also exerting diplomatic pressure to isolate Taipei on the global stage. Beijing has repeatedly stated its willingness to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.
The situation remains a key point of contention in U.S.-China relations, as the United States remains Taiwan’s primary ally and arms supplier. Washington, while committed to providing military assistance to Taiwan, has maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding direct intervention in the event of a Chinese attack.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously raised concerns over his administration’s approach to Taiwan, suggesting that the island should contribute financially for U.S. military protection and accusing it of harming the American semiconductor industry.
Taiwan’s government, under President Lai Ching-te, has sought to strengthen its defense ties with Washington and increase military spending. However, a proposed record-high defense budget of NT$647 billion ($19.7 billion) for 2025 faced major setbacks after opposition lawmakers approved significant funding cuts last month.
Despite efforts to bolster its domestic defense industry and modernize its military equipment, Taiwan remains heavily dependent on U.S. arms sales to counter potential threats from China. The latest military activity reported near the island underscores the ongoing tensions and the challenges Taiwan faces in ensuring its security.
