Chinese Surveillance Balloon Spotted in Taiwan Strait Ahead of Elections

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reports large-scale movement of military aircraft and ships, raising concerns about possible Chinese interference in upcoming elections.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported spotting a Chinese surveillance balloon in the Taiwan Strait, along with a large-scale movement of military aircraft and ships.
The balloon was seen passing southwest of the northern port city of Keelung before disappearing, possibly into the Pacific Ocean.
There is uncertainty about whether the balloon was operated by the People's Liberation Army, the military branch of China's ruling Communist Party.
The incident occurred just over a month before Taiwan is set to hold elections for president and the legislature, raising questions about possible Chinese efforts to influence the vote.
Taiwan has threatened to shoot down such balloons, but it is unknown whether any action was taken in this case.