Overview

• A record eight Chinese balloons were detected around Taiwan, with two flying directly over the island.
• The balloons were spotted at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 38,000 feet.
• This incident comes after Taiwan's presidential election last month, which was won by Lai Ching-te, regarded by Beijing as a 'separatist'.
• Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan, deploying warplanes and naval vessels around the island on a nearly daily basis.
• China warns that a win by Lai could bring 'war and decline' to Taiwan, but has not escalated military actions in the election's immediate aftermath.