Taiwan said Monday it had detected a Chinese balloon over waters northwest of the island, the first reported since April, as Beijing maintains pressure on Taipei to accept its claims of sovereignty.

Taiwan said Monday it had detected a Chinese balloon over waters northwest of the island, the first reported since April, as Beijing maintains pressure on Taipei to accept its claims of sovereignty. Communist China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has refused to renounce the use of force to bring it under its control. Beijing regularly deploys fighter jets, drones and warships around Taiwan, and occasionally balloons, as it keeps up military pressure. The latest balloon was spotted at 6:21 pm (1021 GMT) on Sunday about 111 kilometres (69 miles) northwest of Keelung City at an altitude of 33,000 feet (10,058 metres), said the defence ministry, which releases daily data on China's military presence around Taiwan. It entered the island's air defence identification zone and disappeared at 8:15 pm, the ministry said. Also read: Ex-British soldier captured in Russia while fighting for Ukraine: Report As well as the balloon, 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven warships were detected around Taiwan in the 24 hours to 6:00 am Monday, the ministry said. In the run-up to Taiwan's January presidential election, balloons crossed the sensitive waters separating Taiwan and China day and night, with some floating above the island. Taiwan has described the balloons as a form of "grey zone" harassment -- a tactic that falls short of an act of war. China has previously brushed off allegations it sends balloons over Taiwan, accusing Taipei of trying to raise tensions with the mainland. Balloons from China became a politically fraught topic in early 2023 when the United States shot down what it called a spy balloon. The huge balloon, which carried a large payload of electronics, flew over sensitive US military installations and prompted concerns Beijing was scooping up vital intelligence. Beijing has said it was a civilian airship blown off-course. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Taiwan detects Chinese balloon near island amid rising military pressure

Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected six more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island, the latest in a spate of such balloons the ministry says it has seen over the past month-and-a-half.

The ministry earlier this month, in a strongly worded statement, accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island's people with the balloons, days before Taiwan's Jan&nbsp;13 elections.

China's defence ministry, which last month declined to comment on the balloons, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei.

The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

In the latest incident, revealed by the ministry on Monday in its daily report on Chinese military activities over the past 24 hours, it said six balloons had flown over the strait's sensitive median line on Sunday.

However, only one crossed Taiwan island, at its southern tip, according to a map the ministry provided.

The other five balloons flew to the north of Taiwan but did not fly over land, the ministry said.

All the balloons headed east before vanishing, it added.

The Taiwan Strait's median line previously served as an unofficial barrier between Taiwan and China, but Chinese fighter jets, drones and now balloons regularly fly over it.

China says it does not recognise the existence of the median line.

Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected six more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island, the latest in a spate of such balloons the ministry says it has seen over the past month-and-a-half.

Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected six more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island, the latest in a spate of such balloons the ministry says it has seen over the past month-and-a-half. The ministry earlier this month, in a strongly worded statement, accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island's people with the balloons, days before Taiwan's Jan 13 elections. China's defence ministry, which last month declined to comment on the balloons, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. In the latest incident, revealed by the ministry on Monday in its daily report on Chinese military activities over the past 24 hours, it said six balloons had flown over the strait's sensitive median line on Sunday. However, only one crossed Taiwan island, at its southern tip, according to a map the ministry provided. The other five balloons flew to the north of Taiwan but did not fly over land, the ministry said. All the balloons headed east before vanishing, it added. The Taiwan Strait's median line previously served as an unofficial barrier between Taiwan and China, but Chinese fighter jets, drones and now balloons regularly fly over it. China says it does not recognise the existence of the median line.

Taiwan says it spotted six more Chinese balloons, one crossed island

With candidates in Taiwan gearing up for the key elections which are now just a day away, China has ramped up the pressure by literally looming over the self-governing island. This is in addition to the remarks from Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping who in his New Year’s address called China’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-taiwan-elections-2024-beyond-xi-jinpings-unification-threat-679049">“reunification”</a> with Taiwan inevitable.

Over the past few days, China has made several remarks going as far as warning voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice” which includes not supporting the current presidential frontrunner and candidate from the self-governing island’s ruling party, Lai Ching-te.&nbsp;

<h2>Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan</h2>

Since last month, the Taiwanese defence ministry has reported a spate of Chinese balloons not only flying over Taiwan but also crossing the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait the day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;

This was the day after Taiwanese officials said they detected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-spots-more-chinese-balloons-over-strait-accuses-beijing-of-psychological-warfare-ahead-of-elections-677750">three Chinese balloons</a> flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.&nbsp;

Amid the rise of such incidents, Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13).&nbsp;

However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now.&nbsp;

The possibility that China could be using balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. However, Beijing has since said that the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

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China has long flexed its military muscle against Taiwan by sending fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships almost daily. In April 2023, China conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait and by the end of it, released&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-releases-simulation-clip-of-how-it-will-attack-taiwan-if-war-breaks-out-watch-581302">simulation video</a> showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the island if war ever breaks out.

Since December, the island’s defence ministry has been reporting at least 20 of mysterious balloons some of which have crossed the Taiwan Strait. These incidents prompted the Taiwanese ministry to issue a strongly worded statement on Saturday (Jan 6), condemning China’s actions.&nbsp;

“We also express our condemnation of the Chinese communists’ disregard for aviation safety and its disregard for the safety of passengers on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights.”&nbsp;

The ministry said that its analysis of these actions was that the balloons were part of China’s “grey zone” tactics against Taiwan “in an attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people.”&nbsp;

Similarly, some experts believe that Beijing is trying to influence Taiwan’s elections by using these balloons. “They’re using various different tactics to threaten Taiwan and to put pressure on (President Tsai Ing-wen’s) administration,” Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project told VOA.&nbsp;

Raymond Kuo, director of the RAND Corporation’s Taiwan Policy Initiative told AFP that the balloons’ military purpose is in line with “China’s gray zone coercion strategy towards Taiwan.” He added, “Beijing is signalling that it can violate Taiwanese airspace at will and challenge its sovereignty.”&nbsp;

Kuo also believes that China’s balloon tactic might backfire and these incidents could push Taiwan to form closer security relations with the United States and other countries in Asia.&nbsp;

Taiwan’s government also issued an air raid alert on Tuesday (Jan 9), saying a Chinese rocket carrying a satellite had flown over its southern airspace. Taiwan’s foreign minister described the incident as part of a pattern of harassment before the elections.

<h2>‘War and peace’</h2>

China has not only used its balloons in a bid to potentially influence the Taiwanese elections but also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-pro-china-disinformation-targets-voters-with-deepfakes-and-manipulative-videos-678779">disinformation</a> and words to sway the voters. While Xi struck a stronger tone than he did last year with his New Year’s address, calling Taiwan’s “reunification” with China, he did not mention the elections.&nbsp;

However, Zhang Zhijun, head of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a quasi-official body that handles ties with Taiwan, during his New Year’s address said the Taiwanese people had an important choice to make during the upcoming election.

“The two elections coming up in the Taiwan region are important choices between the prospects for peace and war, prosperity and decline,” said the senior Chinese official.&nbsp;

He added, “Taiwan compatriots must stand on the right side of history, and make a correct choice to promote cross-strait relations back to the right track of peaceful development.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections

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Both China and the US are closely watching the elections since the result is expected to impact the future of Taiwan’s relations with Beijing.&nbsp;But China has reportedly been more involved.&nbsp;

Some experts and Taiwanese authorities have said that the election campaign has been hit by a wave of disinformation and TikTok videos, which are particularly aimed at candidates China opposes.

While China has not explicitly supported any candidate, Beijing and Taiwan’s largest opposition party, &nbsp;the Kuomintang (KMT), have warned that Lai poses a “severe danger” to cross-Strait relations.

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“I sincerely hope the majority of Taiwan compatriots recognize the extreme harm of the DPP’s (Democratic Progressive Party) ‘Taiwan independence’ line and the extreme danger of Lai Ching-te’s triggering of cross-Strait confrontation and conflict, and to make the right choice at the crossroads of cross-Strait relations,” said China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “If he comes to power, he will further push for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities (and create) turbulence in the Taiwan Strait.”&nbsp;

A report by AFP detailed how one Chinese hashtag criticising Lai received over 8.5 million views. The report added that replies to such posts and videos criticising the DPP were filled with derogatory remarks and conspiracy theories. &nbsp;

On Thursday (Jan 11), Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu criticised China’s “repeated interference” in the upcoming elections and slammed Beijing for “once again blatantly intimidating the Taiwanese people and the international community”.

It added, “Taiwan’s elections are in the international spotlight &amp; PRC’s repeated interference steals the focus. Frankly, Beijing should stop messing with other countries’ elections &amp; hold their own. Let the #Chinese people freely choose their leaders.”

According to experts, the flow of disinformation demonstrates a Beijing-linked effort to undermine any lawmakers who oppose Taiwan’s status as a part of China. &nbsp;

The incumbent Vice President Lai, recently accused China of trying to undermine the election and said that it is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of interference.

“In addition to political and military pressure, it is also using economic means, cognitive warfare, disinformation, threats and incentives,” he told reporters, on Tuesday (Jan 9). “It has resorted to all means to interfere with this election.”

<h2>Meanwhile in Taiwan…</h2>

Recent opinion polls show most Taiwanese support Lai while the rest are split between KMT’s Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party. It is safe to say that Beijing is not happy, as it wants the ruling DPP, which China has labelled as separatists, to be voted out.&nbsp;

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In his recent speeches, Lai has asked people not to be swayed by China’s threats while offering talks with Beijing and pledging not to upset the status quo. “Taiwan stands on the front line of the confrontation between democracy and totalitarianism,” said Lai about the upcoming elections.&nbsp;

His supporters have also indicated that they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-people-in-beijing-and-taipei-have-reacted-to-chinas-military-drills-580445">will not be swayed</a>. “China often tries to intimidate Taiwan, but we Taiwanese are not easily frightened,” said a woman surnamed Zheng, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

She added that “less clear-headed people might get scared and vote for unprincipled politicians”.

The DDP has long rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, while KMT argues that both Taipei and Beijing belong to one single China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The ruling party has portrayed the KMT and its presidential candidate, Hou as being pro-Beijing. He has since rejected the allegation that he is “pro-China and a sell-out of Taiwan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

With candidates in Taiwan gearing up for the key elections which are now just a day away, China has ramped up the pressure by literally looming over the self-governing island.

With candidates in Taiwan gearing up for the key elections which are now just a day away, China has ramped up the pressure by literally looming over the self-governing island. This is in addition to the remarks from Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping who in his New Year’s address called China’s “reunification” with Taiwan inevitable. Over the past few days, China has made several remarks going as far as warning voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice” which includes not supporting the current presidential frontrunner and candidate from the self-governing island’s ruling party, Lai Ching-te. Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan Since last month, the Taiwanese defence ministry has reported a spate of Chinese balloons not only flying over Taiwan but also crossing the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China. On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait the day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait. This was the day after Taiwanese officials said they detected three Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. Amid the rise of such incidents, Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13). However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now. The possibility that China could be using balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. However, Beijing has since said that the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. ALSO READ | Iran navy says seized oil tanker in Gulf of Oman China has long flexed its military muscle against Taiwan by sending fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships almost daily. In April 2023, China conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait and by the end of it, released a simulation video showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the island if war ever breaks out. Since December, the island’s defence ministry has been reporting at least 20 of mysterious balloons some of which have crossed the Taiwan Strait. These incidents prompted the Taiwanese ministry to issue a strongly worded statement on Saturday (Jan 6), condemning China’s actions. “We also express our condemnation of the Chinese communists’ disregard for aviation safety and its disregard for the safety of passengers on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights.” The ministry said that its analysis of these actions was that the balloons were part of China’s “grey zone” tactics against Taiwan “in an attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people.” Similarly, some experts believe that Beijing is trying to influence Taiwan’s elections by using these balloons. “They’re using various different tactics to threaten Taiwan and to put pressure on (President Tsai Ing-wen’s) administration,” Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project told VOA. Raymond Kuo, director of the RAND Corporation’s Taiwan Policy Initiative told AFP that the balloons’ military purpose is in line with “China’s gray zone coercion strategy towards Taiwan.” He added, “Beijing is signalling that it can violate Taiwanese airspace at will and challenge its sovereignty.” Kuo also believes that China’s balloon tactic might backfire and these incidents could push Taiwan to form closer security relations with the United States and other countries in Asia. Taiwan’s government also issued an air raid alert on Tuesday (Jan 9), saying a Chinese rocket carrying a satellite had flown over its southern airspace. Taiwan’s foreign minister described the incident as part of a pattern of harassment before the elections. ‘War and peace’ China has not only used its balloons in a bid to potentially influence the Taiwanese elections but also disinformation and words to sway the voters. While Xi struck a stronger tone than he did last year with his New Year’s address, calling Taiwan’s “reunification” with China, he did not mention the elections. However, Zhang Zhijun, head of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a quasi-official body that handles ties with Taiwan, during his New Year’s address said the Taiwanese people had an important choice to make during the upcoming election. “The two elections coming up in the Taiwan region are important choices between the prospects for peace and war, prosperity and decline,” said the senior Chinese official. He added, “Taiwan compatriots must stand on the right side of history, and make a correct choice to promote cross-strait relations back to the right track of peaceful development.” WATCH | Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections Both China and the US are closely watching the elections since the result is expected to impact the future of Taiwan’s relations with Beijing. But China has reportedly been more involved. Some experts and Taiwanese authorities have said that the election campaign has been hit by a wave of disinformation and TikTok videos, which are particularly aimed at candidates China opposes. While China has not explicitly supported any candidate, Beijing and Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), have warned that Lai poses a “severe danger” to cross-Strait relations. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: China using AI anchors to influence Taiwan Elections “I sincerely hope the majority of Taiwan compatriots recognize the extreme harm of the DPP’s (Democratic Progressive Party) ‘Taiwan independence’ line and the extreme danger of Lai Ching-te’s triggering of cross-Strait confrontation and conflict, and to make the right choice at the crossroads of cross-Strait relations,” said China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in a statement. It added, “If he comes to power, he will further push for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities (and create) turbulence in the Taiwan Strait.” A report by AFP detailed how one Chinese hashtag criticising Lai received over 8.5 million views. The report added that replies to such posts and videos criticising the DPP were filled with derogatory remarks and conspiracy theories. On Thursday (Jan 11), Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu criticised China’s “repeated interference” in the upcoming elections and slammed Beijing for “once again blatantly intimidating the Taiwanese people and the international community”. It added, “Taiwan’s elections are in the international spotlight & PRC’s repeated interference steals the focus. Frankly, Beijing should stop messing with other countries’ elections & hold their own. Let the #Chinese people freely choose their leaders.” According to experts, the flow of disinformation demonstrates a Beijing-linked effort to undermine any lawmakers who oppose Taiwan’s status as a part of China. The incumbent Vice President Lai, recently accused China of trying to undermine the election and said that it is engaging in “unprecedented” levels of interference. “In addition to political and military pressure, it is also using economic means, cognitive warfare, disinformation, threats and incentives,” he told reporters, on Tuesday (Jan 9). “It has resorted to all means to interfere with this election.” Meanwhile in Taiwan… Recent opinion polls show most Taiwanese support Lai while the rest are split between KMT’s Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party. It is safe to say that Beijing is not happy, as it wants the ruling DPP, which China has labelled as separatists, to be voted out. ALSO READ | Taiwan election is a choice for democracy or China, frontrunner says In his recent speeches, Lai has asked people not to be swayed by China’s threats while offering talks with Beijing and pledging not to upset the status quo. “Taiwan stands on the front line of the confrontation between democracy and totalitarianism,” said Lai about the upcoming elections. His supporters have also indicated that they will not be swayed. “China often tries to intimidate Taiwan, but we Taiwanese are not easily frightened,” said a woman surnamed Zheng, as quoted by AFP. She added that “less clear-headed people might get scared and vote for unprincipled politicians”. The DDP has long rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, while KMT argues that both Taipei and Beijing belong to one single China. The ruling party has portrayed the KMT and its presidential candidate, Hou as being pro-Beijing. He has since rejected the allegation that he is “pro-China and a sell-out of Taiwan.” (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure

Taiwan on Friday (Dec 8) said that China's suspected weather balloon and 12 fighter jets crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, escalating tensions one month before the scheduled presidential election to be held on the island. 
 
Taiwan, which is democratically governed and is claimed as its own territory by China, has been complaining about the Chinese military carrying out regular patrols and drills near the island for the last four years. 
 
On January 13, Taiwan will be conducting presidential and parliamentary elections and campaigning has gone into high gear, with how the relations with China will be handled by the next government being a major point of contention.

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The defence ministry of Taiwan, while providing details of Chinese missions on Thursday (Dec 7), said that 12 fighter jets of China crossed the median line, which once was seen as an unofficial barrier between the two sides. However, now Chinese planes regularly fly over that zone. 
 
Making an unusual addition to the statement, the ministry added that around midday on Thursday a Chinese balloon was also detected 101 nautical miles (187 km) southwest of the northern Taiwanese city of Keelung, which moved eastward for nearly an hour and crossed the strait before disappearing.

<h2>Weather balloon or spy balloon?</h2>

Speaking to the reporters at the parliament, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that their "initial understanding" was most likely a weather balloon and the ministry felt that it had an obligation to report this to be public. 
 
"Otherwise, if after other units or other countries have reported it, everyone will wonder why (we) did not report it. The defence ministry requires all our subordinate units to have a grasp of the enemy situation," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;China starts up world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor which is one-of-its-kind&nbsp;

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China's use of spy balloons turned into a global issue in February when one of these surveillance balloons was shot down by the United States which China had claimed to be a civilian craft which had drifted astray accidentally. 
 
Ahead of the election, Taiwan has remained on high alert for all kinds of military and political Chinese activities which Taipei sees as efforts by Beijing to interfere in the ballot to get electors to vote for candidates who will be preferred by China. 
 
The elections are being led by Vice President Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, who are viewed by China as separatists.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan on Friday (Dec 8) said that China's suspected weather balloon and 12 fighter jets crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, escalating tensions one month before the scheduled presidential election to be held on the island.

Taiwan on Friday (Dec 8) said that China's suspected weather balloon and 12 fighter jets crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, escalating tensions one month before the scheduled presidential election to be held on the island. Taiwan, which is democratically governed and is claimed as its own territory by China, has been complaining about the Chinese military carrying out regular patrols and drills near the island for the last four years. On January 13, Taiwan will be conducting presidential and parliamentary elections and campaigning has gone into high gear, with how the relations with China will be handled by the next government being a major point of contention. Also Read: Is China's ousted ex-foreign minister Qin Gang dead? Here's what some reports suggest The defence ministry of Taiwan, while providing details of Chinese missions on Thursday (Dec 7), said that 12 fighter jets of China crossed the median line, which once was seen as an unofficial barrier between the two sides. However, now Chinese planes regularly fly over that zone. Making an unusual addition to the statement, the ministry added that around midday on Thursday a Chinese balloon was also detected 101 nautical miles (187 km) southwest of the northern Taiwanese city of Keelung, which moved eastward for nearly an hour and crossed the strait before disappearing. Weather balloon or spy balloon? Speaking to the reporters at the parliament, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that their "initial understanding" was most likely a weather balloon and the ministry felt that it had an obligation to report this to be public. "Otherwise, if after other units or other countries have reported it, everyone will wonder why (we) did not report it. The defence ministry requires all our subordinate units to have a grasp of the enemy situation," he said. Watch: China starts up world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor which is one-of-its-kind China's use of spy balloons turned into a global issue in February when one of these surveillance balloons was shot down by the United States which China had claimed to be a civilian craft which had drifted astray accidentally. Ahead of the election, Taiwan has remained on high alert for all kinds of military and political Chinese activities which Taipei sees as efforts by Beijing to interfere in the ballot to get electors to vote for candidates who will be preferred by China. The elections are being led by Vice President Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, who are viewed by China as separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese balloon, fighter jets cross the Taiwan Strait one month before elections

The Chinese balloon saga is too reluctant to die down any time soon. Taiwanese military on Thursday stated that found the debris of a possible crashed weather balloon which is most likely to be Chinese.&nbsp;In its statement, the Taiwanese army said that its forces on Dongyin island observed an unknown object falling from the sky and then found the remains of a balloon on a shooting range, reported Reuters news agency.&nbsp;

Dongyin island is a part of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago off the coast of China's Fuzhou.&nbsp;

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"The preliminary investigation determined that the remains were of a meteorological detecting instrument, which have been collected by the relevant departments for further evaluation," the statement from Taiwan's army read.&nbsp;

Giving out a brief description of the balloon, the army said that it was an about 1-metre diameter sphere and had an instrument box marked with simplified Chinese characters.&nbsp;The characters, the army said, are used in China and not Taiwan. It read, "Taiyuan Radio No. 1 Factory Co., Ltd.", "GTS13 digital atmospheric sounding instrument" and "meteorological instrument."&nbsp;

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Many Chinese military aircraft, in the last many years, have entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as per Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense.&nbsp;A few days ago, as per a report, a Taiwanese official revealed that several Chinese surveillance balloons were allegedly spotted over Taiwan in the last few years.&nbsp;

However, on Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry said that all the balloons were weather balloons. Tensions have only escalated between China and Taiwan in the recent past. Both nations are caught in a debate on the status of the island.&nbsp;

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While Taiwan calsd itself a sovereign country, China continues to boast about its One-China policy, with Taipei as its inalienable part.&nbsp;Earlier, there were also reports that Chinese drones flew over Taiwan. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taepei last year had outraged China which retaliated by carrying out extensive military drills around Taiwan.&nbsp;

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The Chinese balloon saga is too reluctant to die down any time soon. Taiwanese military on Thursday stated that found the debris of a possible crashed weather balloon which is most likely to be Chinese.

The Chinese balloon saga is too reluctant to die down any time soon. Taiwanese military on Thursday stated that found the debris of a possible crashed weather balloon which is most likely to be Chinese. In its statement, the Taiwanese army said that its forces on Dongyin island observed an unknown object falling from the sky and then found the remains of a balloon on a shooting range, reported Reuters news agency. Dongyin island is a part of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago off the coast of China's Fuzhou. Also Read | Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage? "The preliminary investigation determined that the remains were of a meteorological detecting instrument, which have been collected by the relevant departments for further evaluation," the statement from Taiwan's army read. Giving out a brief description of the balloon, the army said that it was an about 1-metre diameter sphere and had an instrument box marked with simplified Chinese characters. The characters, the army said, are used in China and not Taiwan. It read, "Taiyuan Radio No. 1 Factory Co., Ltd.", "GTS13 digital atmospheric sounding instrument" and "meteorological instrument." Also Read | War a military failure for Russia, Ukraine's tank count rising: Think tank Many Chinese military aircraft, in the last many years, have entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as per Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense. A few days ago, as per a report, a Taiwanese official revealed that several Chinese surveillance balloons were allegedly spotted over Taiwan in the last few years. However, on Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry said that all the balloons were weather balloons. Tensions have only escalated between China and Taiwan in the recent past. Both nations are caught in a debate on the status of the island. Watch | Tesla to share charging network, 3,500 chargers for non-Tesla customers While Taiwan calsd itself a sovereign country, China continues to boast about its One-China policy, with Taipei as its inalienable part. Earlier, there were also reports that Chinese drones flew over Taiwan. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taepei last year had outraged China which retaliated by carrying out extensive military drills around Taiwan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan Army finds remnants of suspected Chinese balloon on remote Dongyin island

U.S. military shot down a mysterious object to have appeared in the skies over lake Huran close to the Canadian border. This is the fourth flying object that has been taken down over North America in 2 weeks.

U.S. shoots down 4th object in two weeks

The Chinese balloon saga and unidentified objects in US airspace: Here's all you need to know

A high-altitude object has been shot by the United States over Alaska, White House officials said. This comes just days after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US and the fallen debris was recovered. US NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said, "The Department of Defence was tracking a high-altitude object over Alaska airspace in last 24 hours. Fighter aircraft assigned to US Northern Command took down the object within the last hour." He said the object was shot at approximately 1930 GMT and it fell&nbsp;on the northern side of Alaska in the Arctic Ocean within the United States' territorial space.

"We do not know who owns it, whether it's state-owned or corporate-owned or privately owned. We do expect to be able to recover the debris, since it fell not only within our territorial space, but on what we believe is frozen water, so a recovery effort will be made. And we're hopeful that it will be successful and we can learn a little bit more about it," he said.

Responding to a reporter if the object's appearance was like the Chinese balloon, Kirby said, "No, it was much much smaller than the spy balloon that we took down last Saturday."

"The way it was described to me was roughly the size of a small car. As opposed to a payload that was like two or three buses' size, right? So, much much smaller and no significant payload, if you will."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-roars-back-at-china-and-north-korea-launches-test-icbm-560758">US roars back at China and North Korea, conducts test launch of ICBM</a>

He added that the object was flying at an altitude of 40,000ft and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight.&nbsp;

"Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of the Pentagon, President Biden ordered the military to down the object," Kirby added.&nbsp; 
 
Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said, “The object was first detected inside American airspace on Thursday and posed a reasonable threat to civilian air traffic. F-22 fighter jet deployed an AIM-9X missile to take down the object and the US Northern Command is beginning recovery operations now.” 
 
Meanwhile, a State Department US official said on Thursday that the country will seek to take action against individuals or companies linked with China's military that supported the flight of a spy balloon into the airspace last week. Washington is confident that the manufacturer of the Chinese balloon shot down by the US forces last week, had a "direct relationship" with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-journalist-who-rescued-minor-domestic-help-in-gurgaon-relives-horror-of-abuse-560714">Exclusive: Journalist who rescued minor domestic help in India's Gurgaon relives horror of abuse</a>

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre repeated that the United States would look at taking action against such entities. However, the White House has not specified what measures are under consideration. Jean-Pierre told reporters that the United States would also look at broader efforts to "expose and address" China's larger surveillance activities that pose a threat to the national security of the United States as well as its allies and partners.&nbsp;

The FBI, which is investigating the spy balloon row, told reporters that it had obtained only limited physical evidence and did not yet have enough information to assess its capabilities.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-turkiye-misuse-earthquake-tax-560763">Gravitas: Did Turkiye misuse Earthquake tax?</a>

"It's very early for us in this process, and the evidence that has been recovered and brought to the FBI is extremely limited," a bureau official said.&nbsp;

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had said Thursday that the flight of the Chinese balloon was yet another sign of Beijing's efforts to reshape the international order.&nbsp;

"This irresponsible act put on full display what we've long recognised: that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has become more repressive at home and more aggressive abroad," Sherman told a hearing of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A high-altitude object has been shot by the United States over Alaska, White House officials said. This comes just days after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US and the fallen debris was recovered.

A high-altitude object has been shot by the United States over Alaska, White House officials said. This comes just days after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US and the fallen debris was recovered. US NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said, "The Department of Defence was tracking a high-altitude object over Alaska airspace in last 24 hours. Fighter aircraft assigned to US Northern Command took down the object within the last hour." He said the object was shot at approximately 1930 GMT and it fell on the northern side of Alaska in the Arctic Ocean within the United States' territorial space. "We do not know who owns it, whether it's state-owned or corporate-owned or privately owned. We do expect to be able to recover the debris, since it fell not only within our territorial space, but on what we believe is frozen water, so a recovery effort will be made. And we're hopeful that it will be successful and we can learn a little bit more about it," he said. Responding to a reporter if the object's appearance was like the Chinese balloon, Kirby said, "No, it was much much smaller than the spy balloon that we took down last Saturday." "The way it was described to me was roughly the size of a small car. As opposed to a payload that was like two or three buses' size, right? So, much much smaller and no significant payload, if you will." Also Read | US roars back at China and North Korea, conducts test launch of ICBM He added that the object was flying at an altitude of 40,000ft and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight. "Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of the Pentagon, President Biden ordered the military to down the object," Kirby added. Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said, “The object was first detected inside American airspace on Thursday and posed a reasonable threat to civilian air traffic. F-22 fighter jet deployed an AIM-9X missile to take down the object and the US Northern Command is beginning recovery operations now.” Meanwhile, a State Department US official said on Thursday that the country will seek to take action against individuals or companies linked with China's military that supported the flight of a spy balloon into the airspace last week. Washington is confident that the manufacturer of the Chinese balloon shot down by the US forces last week, had a "direct relationship" with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Also Read | Exclusive: Journalist who rescued minor domestic help in India's Gurgaon relives horror of abuse White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre repeated that the United States would look at taking action against such entities. However, the White House has not specified what measures are under consideration. Jean-Pierre told reporters that the United States would also look at broader efforts to "expose and address" China's larger surveillance activities that pose a threat to the national security of the United States as well as its allies and partners. The FBI, which is investigating the spy balloon row, told reporters that it had obtained only limited physical evidence and did not yet have enough information to assess its capabilities. Watch | Gravitas: Did Turkiye misuse Earthquake tax? "It's very early for us in this process, and the evidence that has been recovered and brought to the FBI is extremely limited," a bureau official said. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had said Thursday that the flight of the Chinese balloon was yet another sign of Beijing's efforts to reshape the international order. "This irresponsible act put on full display what we've long recognised: that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has become more repressive at home and more aggressive abroad," Sherman told a hearing of Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Days after Chinese spy balloon row, US jet shoots down high-altitude object over Alaska

In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the US' support for Ukraine as well as Sweden's and Finland's efforts to join the alliance. But one of the hot topic of discussions was&nbsp;the political flare&nbsp;that developed between US and China&nbsp;after a Chinese "spy"&nbsp;balloon was sighted in the&nbsp;US skies&nbsp;last week.

Blinken stated that the US will inform Congress as well as allies worldwide of its findings on the balloon that was shot down off the US's east coast over the weekend. He continued by saying that the US Navy was still working to retrieve the balloon fragments.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-bird-caged-in-turkey-after-anger-swamped-social-media-over-erdogans-quake-response-560125">Twitter bird 'caged' in Turkey after anger swamped social media over Erdogan's quake response</a>

“Last week, Beijing violated international law and US sovereignty with the presence of a Chinese surveillance balloon in US airspace,” Blinken reportedly told media on Wednesday at a news conference with Stoltenberg.

China, on the other hand, has been denying any surveillance saying it was a Chinese civil airship. Blinken added that US is analysing the debris of the balloon to understand more about the surveillance program. China presented “systemic and tactical challenges” to the NATO alliance, he added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-god-gender-neutral-church-of-england-to-explore-terms-for-god-in-prayers-560147">Is God gender-neutral? Church of England to explore terms for God in prayers</a>

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said that&nbsp;Putin launched his illegal war of aggression almost a year ago.&nbsp;“Since then, NATO allies have provided unprecedented support for Ukraine. Around $120bn in military, humanitarian and financial assistance.”

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkiye-earthquake-survivors-recall-horror-560099">Turkiye earthquake survivors recall horror</a>

In addition to the US' willingness for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid, Blinken noted that Washington has sent Ukraine nearly $30bn in military aid since the conflict began last February, which included humanitarian as well as economic aid.

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In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the US' support for Ukraine as well as Sweden's and Finland's efforts to join the alliance.

In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the US' support for Ukraine as well as Sweden's and Finland's efforts to join the alliance. But one of the hot topic of discussions was the political flare that developed between US and China after a Chinese "spy" balloon was sighted in the US skies last week. Blinken stated that the US will inform Congress as well as allies worldwide of its findings on the balloon that was shot down off the US's east coast over the weekend. He continued by saying that the US Navy was still working to retrieve the balloon fragments. Also Read | Twitter bird 'caged' in Turkey after anger swamped social media over Erdogan's quake response “Last week, Beijing violated international law and US sovereignty with the presence of a Chinese surveillance balloon in US airspace,” Blinken reportedly told media on Wednesday at a news conference with Stoltenberg. China, on the other hand, has been denying any surveillance saying it was a Chinese civil airship. Blinken added that US is analysing the debris of the balloon to understand more about the surveillance program. China presented “systemic and tactical challenges” to the NATO alliance, he added. Also Read | Is God gender-neutral? Church of England to explore terms for God in prayers Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said that Putin launched his illegal war of aggression almost a year ago. “Since then, NATO allies have provided unprecedented support for Ukraine. Around $120bn in military, humanitarian and financial assistance.” Watch | Turkiye earthquake survivors recall horror In addition to the US' willingness for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid, Blinken noted that Washington has sent Ukraine nearly $30bn in military aid since the conflict began last February, which included humanitarian as well as economic aid. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US to share findings on Chinese 'spy' balloon with Congress, allies: Blinken

China has used spy balloons, similar to the one recently spotted in the United States airspace, to allegedly spy on other countries, including India and Japan, a report published by The Washington Post claimed. American authorities tracked the balloon after it was spotted, they later scrambled jets to shoot it down on Sunday and collected the debris to analyse it.&nbsp;However, China has said that the balloon seen flying across the US was a civilian "airship" which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes.&nbsp;

A senior administration official familiar with the matter said that the Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Monday briefed officials from about 40 embassies about the latest on the balloon saga.&nbsp;

The report by The Post, which is based on interviews with several anonymous defence and intelligence officials, mentioned that the surveillance balloon effort, which has operated for several years partly out of Hainan province off China's south coast, has collected information on military assets in countries and areas of emerging strategic interest to China including Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-takes-unspecified-measures-after-north-korean-balloon-briefly-spotted-over-south-korea-559295">Seoul takes unspecified 'measures' after North Korean balloon briefly spotted over South Korea</a>&nbsp;

According to the report, the officials have claimed that these surveillance balloons have been spotted over five continents and are being operated in part by the Peoples Liberation Army air force.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, one official said that "what the Chinese have done is taken an unbelievably old technology, and basically married it with modern communications and observation capabilities" to try to glean intelligence on other nations' militaries. the official said that "it's a massive effort".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: China admits to sending spy balloon to South America&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, a recent report highlighted that the US military failed to detect prior balloon threats. A senior commander, who oversees US forces in North America, said on Monday that there have been instances when Chinese balloon threats have gone undetected by the nation in the past. The official has highlighted the "awareness gap" which should be addressed by the government.&nbsp;

Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who is the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command, said, "I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And that’s a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out."&nbsp;

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China has used spy balloons, similar to the one recently spotted in the United States airspace, to allegedly spy on other countries, including India and Japan, a report published by The Washington Post claimed.

China has used spy balloons, similar to the one recently spotted in the United States airspace, to allegedly spy on other countries, including India and Japan, a report published by The Washington Post claimed. American authorities tracked the balloon after it was spotted, they later scrambled jets to shoot it down on Sunday and collected the debris to analyse it. However, China has said that the balloon seen flying across the US was a civilian "airship" which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes. A senior administration official familiar with the matter said that the Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Monday briefed officials from about 40 embassies about the latest on the balloon saga. The report by The Post, which is based on interviews with several anonymous defence and intelligence officials, mentioned that the surveillance balloon effort, which has operated for several years partly out of Hainan province off China's south coast, has collected information on military assets in countries and areas of emerging strategic interest to China including Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines. ALSO READ | Seoul takes unspecified 'measures' after North Korean balloon briefly spotted over South Korea According to the report, the officials have claimed that these surveillance balloons have been spotted over five continents and are being operated in part by the Peoples Liberation Army air force. As quoted by the report, one official said that "what the Chinese have done is taken an unbelievably old technology, and basically married it with modern communications and observation capabilities" to try to glean intelligence on other nations' militaries. the official said that "it's a massive effort". WATCH | Gravitas: China admits to sending spy balloon to South America × Meanwhile, a recent report highlighted that the US military failed to detect prior balloon threats. A senior commander, who oversees US forces in North America, said on Monday that there have been instances when Chinese balloon threats have gone undetected by the nation in the past. The official has highlighted the "awareness gap" which should be addressed by the government. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who is the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command, said, "I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And that’s a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Did China operate 'balloons' to spy on several countries, including India and Japan?

The suspected Chinese "spy balloon" in the airspace of the United States escalated the tensions between the US and China. Beijing said that it was a civilian "airship" which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes.&nbsp;

However, the way this entire balloon saga unfolded, it appears that it may have jeopardised the fragile ties between the two superpowers.&nbsp;In the aftermath, even the US States Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to postpone his crucial visit to Beijing.&nbsp;

But a recent report published by US-based media outlets notes that a top defence official said that the US military failed to detect prior balloon threats.&nbsp;

A senior commander, who oversees US forces in North America, said on Monday that there have been instances when Chinese balloon threats have gone undetected by the nation in the past.&nbsp;The official has highlighted the "awareness gap" which should be addressed by the government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-takes-unspecified-measures-after-north-korean-balloon-briefly-spotted-over-south-korea-559295">Seoul takes unspecified 'measures' after North Korean balloon briefly spotted over South Korea</a>&nbsp;

Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who is the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command, said, "I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And that’s a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out."&nbsp;

In a report by NBC News, it is mentioned that during a briefing, VanHerck was asked about whether or not his command had been involved in tracking previous balloons.&nbsp;

He was also asked whether he was able to identify differences between the most recent case of a suspected&nbsp;Chinese "spy balloon" and other balloons dating to the Trump administration.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: China admits to sending spy balloon to South America&nbsp;

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The US deployed a fighter jet to down the balloon on Sunday and VanHerck was giving an update on the recovery of debris, which was eventually done Tuesday.&nbsp;

He said that the US "utilised multiple capabilities to ensure we collected and utilised the opportunity to close intel gaps" while tracking the balloon across the American territory. &nbsp;

NBC report also added that a senior Biden administration official claimed that Chinese surveillance balloons had previously flown over the US United States.&nbsp;

According to the official, it has happened during the Biden administration and at least three other times during the term of former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

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The suspected Chinese "spy balloon" in the airspace of the United States escalated the tensions between the US and China. Beijing said that it was a civilian "airship" which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes.

The suspected Chinese "spy balloon" in the airspace of the United States escalated the tensions between the US and China. Beijing said that it was a civilian "airship" which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes. However, the way this entire balloon saga unfolded, it appears that it may have jeopardised the fragile ties between the two superpowers. In the aftermath, even the US States Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to postpone his crucial visit to Beijing. But a recent report published by US-based media outlets notes that a top defence official said that the US military failed to detect prior balloon threats. A senior commander, who oversees US forces in North America, said on Monday that there have been instances when Chinese balloon threats have gone undetected by the nation in the past. The official has highlighted the "awareness gap" which should be addressed by the government. ALSO READ | Seoul takes unspecified 'measures' after North Korean balloon briefly spotted over South Korea Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who is the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command, said, "I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And that’s a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out." In a report by NBC News, it is mentioned that during a briefing, VanHerck was asked about whether or not his command had been involved in tracking previous balloons. He was also asked whether he was able to identify differences between the most recent case of a suspected Chinese "spy balloon" and other balloons dating to the Trump administration. WATCH | Gravitas: China admits to sending spy balloon to South America × The US deployed a fighter jet to down the balloon on Sunday and VanHerck was giving an update on the recovery of debris, which was eventually done Tuesday. He said that the US "utilised multiple capabilities to ensure we collected and utilised the opportunity to close intel gaps" while tracking the balloon across the American territory. NBC report also added that a senior Biden administration official claimed that Chinese surveillance balloons had previously flown over the US United States. According to the official, it has happened during the Biden administration and at least three other times during the term of former president Donald Trump. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Does the Chinese balloon incident highlight failure of US military?

If you think the ongoing balloon controversy is new, then you are mistaken! The spy balloon&nbsp;strategy has been adopted by several countries to snoop&nbsp;on rival nations.&nbsp;Recently, a Chinese balloon was spotted over the skies of the United States. Beijing said that it was a civilian airship used for research purposes, but concerns were raised over the balloon being used to spy on America. The US deployed fighter jets to track the balloon and shoot it down. The authorities are now analysing the debris.&nbsp;

The recent balloon saga reminds us of a lesser-known incident that happened during World War II when US Navy tried to shoot down a "spy balloon" but later realised that they were firing at the planet Venus.&nbsp;

Such incendiary balloons were widely used by Japan during World War II between November 1944 and April 1945. The Japanese Army reportedly launched nearly 10,000 balloons, of which about 300 were found or observed in the US. Some were even seen in Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-china-operate-balloons-to-spy-on-several-countries-including-india-and-japan-559989">Did China operate 'balloons' to spy on several countries including India and Japan?</a>&nbsp;

Historians have stated that the practice of launching balloons was seen as Japan's effort to bring the war to the US. Robert Mikesh, who wrote a monograph about Japan's balloon bomb programme for the Smithsonian Annals of Flight Series, said in a 2020 interview, “It's the only thing that they had that was capable of reaching the United States — and even that was a long shot.”&nbsp;

A recently published report by The Washington Post has listed a few incidents linked to the balloons, one even caused casualties on May 5, 1945.&nbsp;

In the same report, the Post mentioned the incident in the USS New York (BB-34) observed a silver sphere in the sky and thought that it was a Japanese balloon bomb, but it was actually Venus.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden defends shooting down 'spy' balloon&nbsp;

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After the recent balloon incident, the US Naval Institute posted on social media that "when the USS New York was sailing towards Iwo Jima in 1945, the crew spotted a silver sphere flying high overhead that seemed to follow the battleship for hours."&nbsp;

"Concerned that the shiny orb might be a Japanese balloon weapon, the captain ordered it shot down. After the guns failed to score a hit, a navigator realised that they were attacking Venus," the post added.&nbsp;

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Since "Chinese Spy Balloon" is trending: In 1945, the crew of USS New York spotted a sphere that they thought might be a Japanese balloon weapon. The captain ordered it shot down but none of the guns could score a hit. Finally, a navigator realized they were attacking Venus. <a href="https://t.co/aKwedtrr2G">pic.twitter.com/aKwedtrr2G</a>
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) <a href="https://twitter.com/NavalInstitute/status/1621310952489590785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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If you think the ongoing balloon controversy is new, then you are mistaken! The spy balloon strategy has been adopted by several countries to snoop on rival nations.

If you think the ongoing balloon controversy is new, then you are mistaken! The spy balloon strategy has been adopted by several countries to snoop on rival nations. Recently, a Chinese balloon was spotted over the skies of the United States. Beijing said that it was a civilian airship used for research purposes, but concerns were raised over the balloon being used to spy on America. The US deployed fighter jets to track the balloon and shoot it down. The authorities are now analysing the debris. The recent balloon saga reminds us of a lesser-known incident that happened during World War II when US Navy tried to shoot down a "spy balloon" but later realised that they were firing at the planet Venus. Such incendiary balloons were widely used by Japan during World War II between November 1944 and April 1945. The Japanese Army reportedly launched nearly 10,000 balloons, of which about 300 were found or observed in the US. Some were even seen in Canada and Mexico. ALSO READ | Did China operate 'balloons' to spy on several countries including India and Japan? Historians have stated that the practice of launching balloons was seen as Japan's effort to bring the war to the US. Robert Mikesh, who wrote a monograph about Japan's balloon bomb programme for the Smithsonian Annals of Flight Series, said in a 2020 interview, “It's the only thing that they had that was capable of reaching the United States — and even that was a long shot.” A recently published report by The Washington Post has listed a few incidents linked to the balloons, one even caused casualties on May 5, 1945. In the same report, the Post mentioned the incident in the USS New York (BB-34) observed a silver sphere in the sky and thought that it was a Japanese balloon bomb, but it was actually Venus. WATCH | US President Joe Biden defends shooting down 'spy' balloon × After the recent balloon incident, the US Naval Institute posted on social media that "when the USS New York was sailing towards Iwo Jima in 1945, the crew spotted a silver sphere flying high overhead that seemed to follow the battleship for hours." "Concerned that the shiny orb might be a Japanese balloon weapon, the captain ordered it shot down. After the guns failed to score a hit, a navigator realised that they were attacking Venus," the post added. Since "Chinese Spy Balloon" is trending: In 1945, the crew of USS New York spotted a sphere that they thought might be a Japanese balloon weapon. The captain ordered it shot down but none of the guns could score a hit. Finally, a navigator realized they were attacking Venus. pic.twitter.com/aKwedtrr2G — U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) February 3, 2023 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Blast from past: China balloon brings back memory of times when US tried to ‘shoot down’ Venus

The U.S-China tiff over the alleged 'spy' balloon over the Americas gets uglier. In the latest, Beijing has confirmed that a balloon spotted flying over Latin America is Chinese. They called it a research balloon that had strayed from its designated path. This comes after U.S. shot another balloon, as it claimed it was an unmanned spy craft.

Balloon over Latin America is Chinese

The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-is-civilian-airship-used-for-research-558615">in the United States</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-is-civilian-airship-used-for-research-558615">skies</a>. According to a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon." &nbsp;

However, spokesperson Ryder did not specify the balloon's exact location in Latin America, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Pentagon said it was tracking a Chinese spy balloon flying high over the US. A senior defence official told reporters the balloon was for surveillance. The official added that at the request of President Joe Biden, officials considered shooting the balloon down but concluded doing so would endanger too many people on the ground.&nbsp;

Initially, the Chinese government did not identify the balloon's origins but later admitted the civilian craft was blown off course.&nbsp;

"The airship is from China and is civilian in nature, used for meteorological and other scientific research. Due to the influence of westerly winds and its limited control capability, the airship deviated from its intended course," the foreign ministry of China&nbsp;said in a statement late Friday.&nbsp;

"China regrets that the airship strayed into the United States by mistake due to force majeure. China will continue to maintain communication with the US side to properly handle this accident," it added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinkens-trip-to-beijing-postponed-over-alleged-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-558653">Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace</a>

Meanwhile, US State Secretary Antony Blinken postponed his upcoming trip to China as he did not want the balloon issue to dominate his meetings with Chinese officials.&nbsp;

Addressing a joint press conference with South Korean foreign minister Park Jin on Friday, Blinken said that China's decision to fly a balloon over the US was both unacceptable and irresponsible.&nbsp;

"It's a violation of our sovereignty, it's a violation of international law, and it was very important that we, of course, take the actions we did to protect any sensitive information, to protect our people and to make clear to China that, again, this is an unacceptable as well as an irresponsible action," Blinken said, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"What this has done is created the conditions that undermine the purpose of the trip, including ongoing efforts to build a floor under the relationship and to address a broad range of issues that are of concern to the American people, I believe to the Chinese people, and certainly as well to people around the world. So, we took the step that I announced earlier today in postponing the planned visit for this weekend," he added.&nbsp;

China hits out at American media, politicians over balloon incident

The Chinese government said on Saturday that&nbsp;US media and politicians had taken advantage of US allegations that&nbsp;China flew a spy balloon over American skies. Releasing a statement, the foreign ministry said, "China... never violated the territory and airspace of any sovereign country.&nbsp;Some politicians and media in the United States used the (balloon) incident as a pretext to attack and&nbsp;smear&nbsp;China."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen in the United States skies.

The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen in the United States skies. According to a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon." However, spokesperson Ryder did not specify the balloon's exact location in Latin America, news agency AFP reported. On Thursday, the Pentagon said it was tracking a Chinese spy balloon flying high over the US. A senior defence official told reporters the balloon was for surveillance. The official added that at the request of President Joe Biden, officials considered shooting the balloon down but concluded doing so would endanger too many people on the ground. Initially, the Chinese government did not identify the balloon's origins but later admitted the civilian craft was blown off course. "The airship is from China and is civilian in nature, used for meteorological and other scientific research. Due to the influence of westerly winds and its limited control capability, the airship deviated from its intended course," the foreign ministry of China said in a statement late Friday. "China regrets that the airship strayed into the United States by mistake due to force majeure. China will continue to maintain communication with the US side to properly handle this accident," it added. ALSO READ | Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace Meanwhile, US State Secretary Antony Blinken postponed his upcoming trip to China as he did not want the balloon issue to dominate his meetings with Chinese officials. Addressing a joint press conference with South Korean foreign minister Park Jin on Friday, Blinken said that China's decision to fly a balloon over the US was both unacceptable and irresponsible. "It's a violation of our sovereignty, it's a violation of international law, and it was very important that we, of course, take the actions we did to protect any sensitive information, to protect our people and to make clear to China that, again, this is an unacceptable as well as an irresponsible action," Blinken said, news agency Reuters reported. "What this has done is created the conditions that undermine the purpose of the trip, including ongoing efforts to build a floor under the relationship and to address a broad range of issues that are of concern to the American people, I believe to the Chinese people, and certainly as well to people around the world. So, we took the step that I announced earlier today in postponing the planned visit for this weekend," he added. China hits out at American media, politicians over balloon incident The Chinese government said on Saturday that US media and politicians had taken advantage of US allegations that China flew a spy balloon over American skies. Releasing a statement, the foreign ministry said, "China... never violated the territory and airspace of any sovereign country. Some politicians and media in the United States used the (balloon) incident as a pretext to attack and smear China." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After US, another Chinese balloon seen flying over Latin America: Pentagon

An explosion was reported in the sky over Billings city, Montana, where the alleged Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over a “number of sensitive sites”.&nbsp;The video shared on Twitter purportedly shows a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last seen.

Dolly Moore, who took video of the scene, said she “saw a plane go by so fast and then explode in the sky.”&nbsp; It was not immediately clear if the explosion was the spy balloon burst.

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Ok, so here’s what I just caught I few minutes ago out my window. I saw a jet go by so fast and then explosion in the sky. Holy crap! Billings MT. <a href="https://t.co/swr8ERC6pf">pic.twitter.com/swr8ERC6pf</a>
— Dolly Moore (@MMtTreasures) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMtTreasures/status/1621661908205195265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WION could not verify the authenticity of the video.

The US defence officials, however,&nbsp;clarified that the balloon over Montana has not exploded, according to the Daily Mail news outlet.

They said that the balloon, which is said to be about the size of three busies, is large enough that destroying it would rain down debris, risking the safety of people on the ground.

On Friday, US officials were alarmed over the giant Chinese balloon invading the US air space following which F-22 fight jets were mobilised to track the device&nbsp;as it hovered over Montana, which borders Canada.

<h2>Gravitas: Is China's espionage entering the next phase?</h2>

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According to local media, the balloon entered US airspace “a couple of days ago”, but the officials did not share the exact location.

“Montana plays a vital national security role by housing nuclear missile silos at Malmstrom AFB,” Montana Senator Steve Daines wrote to&nbsp;the Department of Defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinkens-trip-to-beijing-postponed-over-alleged-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-558653">&nbsp;Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace</a>

“Given the increased hostility and destabilisation around the globe aimed at the United States and our allies, I am alarmed by the fact that this spy balloon was able to infiltrate the airspace of our country and Montana.”

<h2>Blinken postpones Beijing trip</h2>

Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing over the weekend has been postponed in light of the spy balloon row, news agency AFP reported on Friday quoting a US official.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A senior State Department official told reporters that it has been determined that the visit would not be productive at this time under the current circumstances. The official also said that diplomatic channels will remain open and Blinken is planning&nbsp;to visit at the earliest opportunity when "conditions allow".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An explosion was reported in the sky over Billings city, Montana, where the alleged Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over a “number of sensitive sites”. The video shared on Twitter purportedly shows a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last seen.

An explosion was reported in the sky over Billings city, Montana, where the alleged Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over a “number of sensitive sites”. The video shared on Twitter purportedly shows a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last seen. Dolly Moore, who took video of the scene, said she “saw a plane go by so fast and then explode in the sky.” It was not immediately clear if the explosion was the spy balloon burst. Ok, so here’s what I just caught I few minutes ago out my window. I saw a jet go by so fast and then explosion in the sky. Holy crap! Billings MT. pic.twitter.com/swr8ERC6pf — Dolly Moore (@MMtTreasures) February 4, 2023 × WION could not verify the authenticity of the video. The US defence officials, however, clarified that the balloon over Montana has not exploded, according to the Daily Mail news outlet. They said that the balloon, which is said to be about the size of three busies, is large enough that destroying it would rain down debris, risking the safety of people on the ground. On Friday, US officials were alarmed over the giant Chinese balloon invading the US air space following which F-22 fight jets were mobilised to track the device as it hovered over Montana, which borders Canada. Gravitas: Is China's espionage entering the next phase? According to local media, the balloon entered US airspace “a couple of days ago”, but the officials did not share the exact location. “Montana plays a vital national security role by housing nuclear missile silos at Malmstrom AFB,” Montana Senator Steve Daines wrote to the Department of Defense. Also read | Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace “Given the increased hostility and destabilisation around the globe aimed at the United States and our allies, I am alarmed by the fact that this spy balloon was able to infiltrate the airspace of our country and Montana.” Blinken postpones Beijing trip Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing over the weekend has been postponed in light of the spy balloon row, news agency AFP reported on Friday quoting a US official. A senior State Department official told reporters that it has been determined that the visit would not be productive at this time under the current circumstances. The official also said that diplomatic channels will remain open and Blinken is planning to visit at the earliest opportunity when "conditions allow". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Was Chinese spy balloon taken down by the US? Here’s what happened

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