Chinese Military Activity Increases Near Taiwan Ahead of Elections

Eight Chinese fighter jets and a balloon crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, escalating tensions as Taiwan's January 13 elections approach.

Taiwan's defence ministry reported eight Chinese fighter jets crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, along with one Chinese balloon.
This activity comes as Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections approach on January 13, with relations with China being a major point of contention.
The median line once served as an unofficial barrier between Taiwan and China, but Chinese planes now regularly cross it.
Taiwan has repeatedly complained of increased Chinese military activity around the island over the past four years.
China has not commented on its recent military activities near Taiwan, but has previously described them as being aimed at preventing 'collusion' between Taiwan separatists and the United States, and protecting China's territorial integrity.