Overview

• Taiwan reports six Chinese balloons flew over the island or through airspace just north of it, with Chinese warplanes and navy ships also detected in the area.
• The purpose of the balloons remains unclear, but they are suspected to be part of China's harassment campaign against Taiwan.
• China's campaign of intimidation includes regular deployment of Chinese warships and planes in waters and airspace around Taiwan, often crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line.
• In the U.S., President Joe Biden vowed to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects after a suspected Chinese spy balloon transited much of the United States.
• Taiwan's independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party won a third straight term in the presidency in the recent elections, despite China's increased activities and threats.