As Taiwan gears up to choose a new president next week, candidates have now turned to an unexpected stop on their campaign trails. They are targetting the island's widespread religious community that would make up for a significant number of votes on January 13. In new Taipei city, frontrunner Lai Ching-Te placed his offerings at the lixing fude temple.

Taiwan: Candidates visit temples to target religious community ahead of polls

Three Chinese balloons flew across Taiwan island and near an air base on Tuesday (Jan 2), said the Taiwanese defence ministry. This is the first time it has reported&nbsp;the balloons as crossing the islands. Earlier, starting last month, it&nbsp;reported citing&nbsp;a spate of such balloons in the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.

China's potential to use spy balloons has become a global issue since February 2023 when a similar kind of device was shot down by the United States,&nbsp;claiming it&nbsp;to be a Chinese surveillance balloon. China had stated that the balloon was a civilian craft which had drifted astray accidentally.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-begins-preparing-ground-for-potential-arrest-warrant-against-xi-jinping-heres-how-675575">Taiwan begins preparing ground for joining ICC to deter China attack, initiate potential action against Xi</a>

Taiwan has remained on high alert for Chinese activities, both political and military, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections which are set to be held on January 13. China claims&nbsp;the island as its own territory.&nbsp;

Since last month, Taiwan's defence ministry reported several instances of Chinese balloons spotted flying over the sensitive Taiwan Strait and crossing to the north of the island before vanishing.

<h2>Balloon used for weather monitoring?&nbsp;</h2>

On Wednesday (Jan 3), the ministry gave its daily update regarding Chinese military activities in the past 24 hours and added that it had spotted four balloons flying over the strait - amongst which three flew across the centre of the island.&nbsp;

It stated that the three balloons flew 105 nautical miles (194 km), 160 nautical miles and 159 nautical miles, respectively, towards the southwest of Ching Chuan Kang, which is an important location for Taiwan Air Force Base. Then, the balloons disappeared at different points, stated the ministry.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024? | Taiwan enters a 12-day crucial period

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The ministry, when questioned if the latest balloons were for weather or other purposes, refused to comment specifically.

It "closely monitors and appropriately responds" to balloons and gathers information about their path for "judgement and analysis," said the ministry. In the past four years, China has increased its military activity around Chinese and Taiwan fighter jets and warships which have now been regularly operating in the strait.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three Chinese balloons flew across Taiwan island and near an air base on Tuesday (Jan 2), said the Taiwanese defence ministry. This is the first time it has reported the balloons as crossing the islands.

Three Chinese balloons flew across Taiwan island and near an air base on Tuesday (Jan 2), said the Taiwanese defence ministry. This is the first time it has reported the balloons as crossing the islands. Earlier, starting last month, it reported citing a spate of such balloons in the Taiwan Strait. China's potential to use spy balloons has become a global issue since February 2023 when a similar kind of device was shot down by the United States, claiming it to be a Chinese surveillance balloon. China had stated that the balloon was a civilian craft which had drifted astray accidentally. Also read: Taiwan begins preparing ground for joining ICC to deter China attack, initiate potential action against Xi Taiwan has remained on high alert for Chinese activities, both political and military, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections which are set to be held on January 13. China claims the island as its own territory. Since last month, Taiwan's defence ministry reported several instances of Chinese balloons spotted flying over the sensitive Taiwan Strait and crossing to the north of the island before vanishing. Balloon used for weather monitoring? On Wednesday (Jan 3), the ministry gave its daily update regarding Chinese military activities in the past 24 hours and added that it had spotted four balloons flying over the strait - amongst which three flew across the centre of the island. It stated that the three balloons flew 105 nautical miles (194 km), 160 nautical miles and 159 nautical miles, respectively, towards the southwest of Ching Chuan Kang, which is an important location for Taiwan Air Force Base. Then, the balloons disappeared at different points, stated the ministry. Watch: Gravitas | A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024? | Taiwan enters a 12-day crucial period The ministry, when questioned if the latest balloons were for weather or other purposes, refused to comment specifically. It "closely monitors and appropriately responds" to balloons and gathers information about their path for "judgement and analysis," said the ministry. In the past four years, China has increased its military activity around Chinese and Taiwan fighter jets and warships which have now been regularly operating in the strait. (With inputs from agencies)

Three Chinese balloons fly across Taiwan island days ahead of polls

China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, President Xi Jinping said in his New Year's address on Sunday, striking a stronger tone than he did last year with less than two weeks to go before the Chinese-claimed island elects a new leader.

Days before Taiwanese elections, Xi Jinping reiterates reunification bid

Taiwan's government is reportedly&nbsp;exploring the possibility of joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of its strategy to improve deterrence against a potential Chinese attack or invasion.

Taiwan's ICC membership initially recommended in an independent annual review of the nation's human rights efforts, is now under discussion among members of Taiwan's judiciary, government, and legal profession.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a>

According to The Guardian, the proponents argue that this move would not only help bolster the international legal system's presence in Asia but also increase Taiwan's global participation, countering Beijing's efforts to isolate the self-ruled island nation.&nbsp;

<h2>How the ICC is established?</h2>

The ICC, established by the Rome Statute in 2002, focuses on four core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.

<h2>Meaning of Taiwan's potential&nbsp;inclusion into ICC&nbsp;</h2>

Supporters of Taiwan's ICC membership assert that it could pave the way for investigations and warrants against Chinese leader Xi Jinping under international law if he were to order or oversee acts of war or war crimes against Taiwan.

Also watch |&nbsp;China President Xi Jinping says, 'Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China' | WION

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This, they believe, could serve as a deterrent to prevent Xi from pursuing the annexation of Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that vehemently rejects Chinese subjugation.

<h2>Taiwan's potential ICC inclusion amid Xi Jinping's renewed 'reunification' threat</h2>

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's recent New Year's address called for an inevitable "reunification" with Taiwan, which further heightened the tensions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-surely-be-reunified-says-president-xi-jinping-in-new-years-speech-675342">Xi Jinping makes most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan in New Year's speech</a>

There are two potential mechanisms for Taiwan to seek ICC membership: signing up to the Rome Statute or the president unilaterally declaring acceptance of ICC jurisdiction over Taiwan's territory. However, Taiwan's status as a non-UN member state, recognised by only 13 countries, adds complexity to its pursuit of ICC membership.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's government is reportedly exploring the possibility of joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of its strategy to improve deterrence against a potential Chinese attack or invasion.

Taiwan's government is reportedly exploring the possibility of joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of its strategy to improve deterrence against a potential Chinese attack or invasion. Taiwan's ICC membership initially recommended in an independent annual review of the nation's human rights efforts, is now under discussion among members of Taiwan's judiciary, government, and legal profession. Also read | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping According to The Guardian, the proponents argue that this move would not only help bolster the international legal system's presence in Asia but also increase Taiwan's global participation, countering Beijing's efforts to isolate the self-ruled island nation. How the ICC is established? The ICC, established by the Rome Statute in 2002, focuses on four core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. Meaning of Taiwan's potential inclusion into ICC Supporters of Taiwan's ICC membership assert that it could pave the way for investigations and warrants against Chinese leader Xi Jinping under international law if he were to order or oversee acts of war or war crimes against Taiwan. Also watch | China President Xi Jinping says, 'Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China' | WION × This, they believe, could serve as a deterrent to prevent Xi from pursuing the annexation of Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that vehemently rejects Chinese subjugation. Taiwan's potential ICC inclusion amid Xi Jinping's renewed 'reunification' threat Chinese leader Xi Jinping's recent New Year's address called for an inevitable "reunification" with Taiwan, which further heightened the tensions. Also read | Xi Jinping makes most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan in New Year's speech There are two potential mechanisms for Taiwan to seek ICC membership: signing up to the Rome Statute or the president unilaterally declaring acceptance of ICC jurisdiction over Taiwan's territory. However, Taiwan's status as a non-UN member state, recognised by only 13 countries, adds complexity to its pursuit of ICC membership. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan begins preparing ground for joining ICC to deter China attack, initiate potential action against Xi

Taiwan’s election on 13 January is the first of more than 40 national elections to be held around the world in 2024.

Taiwan's elections marked by testy exchange on autonomy, independence

Taiwan set to go polls on January 13, China's pressure on Taiwan takes centre stage

Taiwan set to go polls on January 13

China's defence ministry on Thursday accused Taiwan's leadership of "hyping up" claims that Beijing is interfering in the self-ruled island's upcoming presidential election. Taipei officials have repeatedly raised concerns about election interference and misinformation, and the January 13 vote comes during an escalating pressure campaign by Beijing, which claims the island as part of its territory.

China says Taiwan election interference claims are exaggerated

Just a couple of weeks ahead of the January 13 election in Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to prevent anyone from splitting the island from China. His comments assume significance given how Beijing has been ramping up military and political pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over Taipei.

China reasserts sovereignty claims over Taiwan, Xi Jinping vows Taiwan reunification | World DNA

Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China: Xi Jinping

While paying tributes to China’s founding father Mao Zedong, President Xi Jinping reiterated the country’s longstanding will to unify Taiwan with mainland China in the future.

Speaking on the 130th anniversary of the late leader’s birth on Tuesday (Dec 26) in Beijing, the Chinese president expressed confidence, saying that the unification “will surely” happen.

“The complete reunification of our motherland is an overall trend, a righteous cause, and the common aspiration of the people. Our motherland must be reunified, and it will surely be reunified,” Xi said in his speech delivered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, reports South China Morning Post news outlet.

“[We] firmly oppose anyone using any means to separate Taiwan from China.”

<h2>Xi seeks to elevate himself above Mao&nbsp;</h2>

Mao wanted to unify Taiwan with the mainland during his lifetime, but inadequate military power at that time prevented China from executing its plan.

Experts believe that by raking the Taiwan unification issue on&nbsp;Mao’s birth anniversary, Xi has sought to elevate himself above the late leader.

Xi’s Tuesday remarks come less than a month before Taiwanese voters elect the island’s next president.

China is apprehensive of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its presidential candidate, who is also the current Vice President Lai Ching-te. He is leading in the polls.

China has described them as the supporters of independence.

<h2>Taiwan's elections&nbsp;</h2>

Lai has said that he has no plans to change the island's formal name, the Republic of China, adding that only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has also repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zambias-foreign-minister-stanley-kakubo-steps-down-after-public-outcry-over-chinese-business-dealings-673932">Zambia’s Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo steps down after public outcry over Chinese business dealings</a>

Taiwan came into formation in 1949 after the Kuomintang (KMT), also known as the Chinese Nationalist Party (CNP), fled to the island after losing the civil war against Mao Zedong's communists, who founded the People's Republic of China,&nbsp;

Over the last few weeks, China has unleashed a series of coercive measures to try to interfere in Taiwan’s upcoming election, deploying military aircraft and balloons in&nbsp;areas near Taiwan and suspending tariff relief on imports of 12 Taiwanese petrochemical products.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

On Wednesday, the Chinese government threatened to impose more sanctions on Taiwan if the ruling party "stubbornly" adheres to supporting independence.

"If the DPP authorities are determined to persevere, continue to stubbornly adhere to their Taiwan independence position, and refuse to repent, we support the relevant departments taking further measures in accordance with the regulations," Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said.

While paying tributes to China’s founding father Mao Zedong, President Xi Jinping reiterated the country’s longstanding will to unify Taiwan with mainland China in the future.

While paying tributes to China’s founding father Mao Zedong, President Xi Jinping reiterated the country’s longstanding will to unify Taiwan with mainland China in the future. Speaking on the 130th anniversary of the late leader’s birth on Tuesday (Dec 26) in Beijing, the Chinese president expressed confidence, saying that the unification “will surely” happen. “The complete reunification of our motherland is an overall trend, a righteous cause, and the common aspiration of the people. Our motherland must be reunified, and it will surely be reunified,” Xi said in his speech delivered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, reports South China Morning Post news outlet. “[We] firmly oppose anyone using any means to separate Taiwan from China.” Xi seeks to elevate himself above Mao Mao wanted to unify Taiwan with the mainland during his lifetime, but inadequate military power at that time prevented China from executing its plan. Experts believe that by raking the Taiwan unification issue on Mao’s birth anniversary, Xi has sought to elevate himself above the late leader. Xi’s Tuesday remarks come less than a month before Taiwanese voters elect the island’s next president. China is apprehensive of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its presidential candidate, who is also the current Vice President Lai Ching-te. He is leading in the polls. China has described them as the supporters of independence. Taiwan's elections Lai has said that he has no plans to change the island's formal name, the Republic of China, adding that only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has also repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed. Also read | Zambia’s Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo steps down after public outcry over Chinese business dealings Taiwan came into formation in 1949 after the Kuomintang (KMT), also known as the Chinese Nationalist Party (CNP), fled to the island after losing the civil war against Mao Zedong's communists, who founded the People's Republic of China, Over the last few weeks, China has unleashed a series of coercive measures to try to interfere in Taiwan’s upcoming election, deploying military aircraft and balloons in areas near Taiwan and suspending tariff relief on imports of 12 Taiwanese petrochemical products. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf On Wednesday, the Chinese government threatened to impose more sanctions on Taiwan if the ruling party "stubbornly" adheres to supporting independence. "If the DPP authorities are determined to persevere, continue to stubbornly adhere to their Taiwan independence position, and refuse to repent, we support the relevant departments taking further measures in accordance with the regulations," Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said.

Taiwan’s unification with China ‘will surely’ happen, says Xi Jinping on Mao’s anniversary

China President Xi Jinping says, 'Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China' | WION

A new research published by Taiwan's Information Environment Research Centre (IORG) has revealed that people using the short-video app Douyin, the Chinese-language version of TikTok are more likely to subscribe to views in favour of the communist Chinese government.

A new research published by Taiwan's Information Environment Research Centre (IORG) has revealed that people using the short-video app Douyin, the Chinese-language version of TikTok are more likely to subscribe to views in favour of the communist Chinese government. In the study, 18.2 per cent of respondents identified themselves as Chinese-speaking TikTok users who spent an average of 4.4 days per week active on the app. This particular bracket of respondents was more likely, by up to 10 percentage points or more, to agree with China's political positions while being sceptic about the policies of the United States. The majority of Chinese-speaking TikTok users strongly harboured beliefs that the Taiwanese government's closer relations with the US were "provoking China" and likely to lead to a conflict across the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, the respondents believed that Taiwan's economic prosperity was closely linked to the island nation signing various trade deals with Beijing. According to analytics service QuestMobile, based in Beijing, TikTok's Chinese language cousin Douyin had around 750 million monthly active users as of May. Since Taiwan is the frontline of China's information war, the increased use of Douyin is being seen as a national security threat. Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned that TikTok and Douyin were a threat to national security. Afterwards, TikTok was banned on government devices citing cybersecurity concerns. Watch | China eyes Taiwan 'reunification' | China bolsters military aggression China and Taiwan Since the two sides split in 1949 after the civil war, they have been embroiled in a perpetual fight. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. China under President Xi Jinping has made it clear that Beijing wants to take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary. During the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) congress last year, Xi asserted that the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only. “The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi. Also read | Taiwan: 10 former and current soldiers charged with spying for China “We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.” Over the last 12-15 months, Beijing has staged war games around the island, fired indiscriminate missiles and declared it a no-fly zone multiple times, in an attempt to simulate how it would look to cut Taiwan off in case of a potential conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

TikTok users more likely to subscribe to pro-China views: Research

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported, on Sunday, that in the past 24 hours, it identified eight Chinese fighter jets crossing the so-called median line of the Taiwan Strait, along with one Chinese balloon.

Taiwan sends its own forces to monitor move

Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year. 
 
Now once again, the General Administration of Customs will allow imports of grouper fish – which is a high-value aquaculture item found in Taiwan – from registered farms on the island from Friday, according to a notice on the customs website. 
 
The imports were suspended by Beijing in June last year as it said that excessive levels of oxytetracycline and banned chemicals were found in the fish. Oxytetracycline is a type of antibiotic.

<h2>Taiwan rejects China's accusations</h2>

The accusation was rejected by the Taiwanese authorities. The mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said that the decision was based on “a comprehensive assessment of relevant corrective measures” after information regarding measures taken for addressing the problem was provided by Taiwanese industry representatives to the mainland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-more-suspected-chinese-weather-balloons-crossing-taiwan-strait-671052">Taiwan reports more suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing Taiwan Strait</a>

The representatives expressed&nbsp;“strong hope” that imports can resume, as per the state news agency Xinhua. As per the report, a few Taiwanese grouper farming enterprises have gone ahead and registered with mainland customs authorities and will begin exporting immediately. 
 
The announcement has been made by Beijing just weeks before the presidential election in Taiwan on January 13. The election&nbsp;is set to shape future cross-strait relations after years of tension during the 
presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, who belongs to the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party and came to power in 2016. 
 
China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its breakaway territory which should be united with the mainland and has never stopped using force to do so.

Watch:&nbsp;Taiwan on high alert for Chinese activities, reports suspected Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan

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Meanwhile, Taiwan is not recognised as an independent country by many countries, however, countries like the United States oppose a forcible change in the status quo. 
 
KMT’s vice-chairman Andrew Hsia Li-yan had raised the issues being faced by Taiwanese food importers, which included the grouper ban, in a visit to the mainland in February. 
 
On his 10-day trip, Hsia held meetings with top Taiwan affairs officials, which included Wang Huning, head of the top political advisory body of China and head of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office Song Tao.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year.

Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year. Now once again, the General Administration of Customs will allow imports of grouper fish – which is a high-value aquaculture item found in Taiwan – from registered farms on the island from Friday, according to a notice on the customs website. The imports were suspended by Beijing in June last year as it said that excessive levels of oxytetracycline and banned chemicals were found in the fish. Oxytetracycline is a type of antibiotic. Taiwan rejects China's accusations The accusation was rejected by the Taiwanese authorities. The mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said that the decision was based on “a comprehensive assessment of relevant corrective measures” after information regarding measures taken for addressing the problem was provided by Taiwanese industry representatives to the mainland. Also read: Taiwan reports more suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing Taiwan Strait The representatives expressed “strong hope” that imports can resume, as per the state news agency Xinhua. As per the report, a few Taiwanese grouper farming enterprises have gone ahead and registered with mainland customs authorities and will begin exporting immediately. The announcement has been made by Beijing just weeks before the presidential election in Taiwan on January 13. The election is set to shape future cross-strait relations after years of tension during the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, who belongs to the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party and came to power in 2016. China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its breakaway territory which should be united with the mainland and has never stopped using force to do so. Watch: Taiwan on high alert for Chinese activities, reports suspected Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Meanwhile, Taiwan is not recognised as an independent country by many countries, however, countries like the United States oppose a forcible change in the status quo. KMT’s vice-chairman Andrew Hsia Li-yan had raised the issues being faced by Taiwanese food importers, which included the grouper ban, in a visit to the mainland in February. On his 10-day trip, Hsia held meetings with top Taiwan affairs officials, which included Wang Huning, head of the top political advisory body of China and head of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office Song Tao. (With inputs from agencies)

Mainland China resumes fish imports from Taiwan weeks before polls

In China's eyes, all three Taiwan presidential candidates are separatists, the frontrunner to be the island's next leader said on Wednesday in a fractious joint televised address with the other contenders. The January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections will define Chinese-claimed Taiwan's ties with Beijing and are happening as China steps up military activities around the island to assert its sovereignty claims.

Taiwan presidential candidates lock horns in first televised debate ahead of polls

Two suspected Chinese weather balloons flew across the sensitive&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait on Sunday but stayed well to the north of&nbsp;Taiwan, the island's defence ministry said on Monday, the second time this month Taipei has reported them nearby.

The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon, but which China said was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

Taiwan&nbsp;is on high alert for Chinese activities, both military and political, ahead of the Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary election. Taipei has warned of Beijing's efforts to interfere in the ballot to get voters to pick candidates China may prefer.

Taiwan's defence ministry said the two balloons were detected at 9:03 a.m. (0103GMT) and 2:43 p.m. (0643GMT) after crossing the strait's median 110 nautical miles (204 km)northwest of the northern&nbsp;Taiwanese port city of Keelung.

The balloons flew at an altitude of about 27,000 feet (3,230 metres), headed east and disappeared at 9:36 am&nbsp;and 4:35 pm&nbsp;respectively, the ministry added.

The ministry's initial judgment is that they were weather balloons, spokesperson Sun Li-fang said.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The earlier balloon, which&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;reported crossing the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait on Dec. 7, was most likely also a weather platform,&nbsp;Taiwan's defence ministry said at the time, adding that officials had announced its detection in the interests of transparency.

Two suspected Chinese weather balloons flew across the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Sunday but stayed well to the north of Taiwan, the island's defence ministry said on Monday, the second time this month Taipei has reported them nearby.

Two suspected Chinese weather balloons flew across the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Sunday but stayed well to the north of Taiwan, the island's defence ministry said on Monday, the second time this month Taipei has reported them nearby. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon, but which China said was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. Taiwan is on high alert for Chinese activities, both military and political, ahead of the Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary election. Taipei has warned of Beijing's efforts to interfere in the ballot to get voters to pick candidates China may prefer. Taiwan's defence ministry said the two balloons were detected at 9:03 a.m. (0103GMT) and 2:43 p.m. (0643GMT) after crossing the strait's median 110 nautical miles (204 km)northwest of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung. The balloons flew at an altitude of about 27,000 feet (3,230 metres), headed east and disappeared at 9:36 am and 4:35 pm respectively, the ministry added. The ministry's initial judgment is that they were weather balloons, spokesperson Sun Li-fang said. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The earlier balloon, which Taiwan reported crossing the Taiwan Strait on Dec. 7, was most likely also a weather platform, Taiwan's defence ministry said at the time, adding that officials had announced its detection in the interests of transparency.

Taiwan reports more suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing Taiwan Strait

Taiwan reported a Chinese balloon crossing its airspace, intensifying regional security concerns. This is the third such incident this month, sparking concerns about potential surveillance and intelligence gathering activities by China.

Gravitas: Chinese balloons over Taiwan raise security concerns

A 20-year-old woman, identified as Xiao Yu, underwent surgery in Taiwan to remove over 300 kidney stones after years of hydrating herself exclusively with sweetened drinks. She was admitted to Chi Mei Hospital in Tainan due to a fever and severe lower back pain.

An ultrasound and CT scan revealed that Xiao Yu's right kidney was swollen with fluid and contained&nbsp;stones ranging from 5mm to 2cm in size, resembling "little steamed buns." The stones had accumulated due to chronic dehydration and mineral build-up in her kidneys.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sippin-blues-study-suggests-your-go-to-milk-tea-could-be-the-cause-of-your-depression-641942">Also read | Sippin' blues: Study suggests your go-to milk tea could be the cause of your depression</a>

<h2>Unusual hydration habits</h2>

Xiao Yu disclosed to doctors that she avoided drinking water and, instead, relied on beverages like bubble tea, fruit juice, and alcohol for hydration over an extended period, as reported by The Indepedent.&nbsp;This unusual habit resulted in insufficient water intake, leading to the formation of kidney stones.

Doctors performed a 2-hour-long percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery, successfully extracting around 300 stones from Xiao Yu's kidney. Following the procedure, her condition stabilised, and she was discharged a few days later.

Also watch |&nbsp;Viral Video: Dutch PM Mark Rutte spills coffee, mops the floor himself

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Dr&nbsp;Lim Chye-yang, the surgeon who conducted the surgery, told Metro news&nbsp;that kidney stones can result from factors such as inadequate water intake or diets high in calcium and protein. He stressed on&nbsp;the importance of proper water intake for diluting minerals in urine, preventing concentrated minerals that elevate the risk of stone formation.

He also noted that, on average, men are three times more likely to develop kidney stones. In Taiwan, men are thrice as likely as women to experience kidney stones, with 9.6 per cent of the Taiwanese population developing kidney stones in their lifetime.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 20-year-old woman, identified as Xiao Yu, underwent surgery in Taiwan to remove over 300 kidney stones after years of hydrating herself exclusively with sweetened drinks.

A 20-year-old woman, identified as Xiao Yu, underwent surgery in Taiwan to remove over 300 kidney stones after years of hydrating herself exclusively with sweetened drinks. She was admitted to Chi Mei Hospital in Tainan due to a fever and severe lower back pain. An ultrasound and CT scan revealed that Xiao Yu's right kidney was swollen with fluid and contained stones ranging from 5mm to 2cm in size, resembling "little steamed buns." The stones had accumulated due to chronic dehydration and mineral build-up in her kidneys. Also read | Sippin' blues: Study suggests your go-to milk tea could be the cause of your depression Unusual hydration habits Xiao Yu disclosed to doctors that she avoided drinking water and, instead, relied on beverages like bubble tea, fruit juice, and alcohol for hydration over an extended period, as reported by The Indepedent. This unusual habit resulted in insufficient water intake, leading to the formation of kidney stones. Doctors performed a 2-hour-long percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery, successfully extracting around 300 stones from Xiao Yu's kidney. Following the procedure, her condition stabilised, and she was discharged a few days later. Also watch | Viral Video: Dutch PM Mark Rutte spills coffee, mops the floor himself Dr Lim Chye-yang, the surgeon who conducted the surgery, told Metro news that kidney stones can result from factors such as inadequate water intake or diets high in calcium and protein. He stressed on the importance of proper water intake for diluting minerals in urine, preventing concentrated minerals that elevate the risk of stone formation. He also noted that, on average, men are three times more likely to develop kidney stones. In Taiwan, men are thrice as likely as women to experience kidney stones, with 9.6 per cent of the Taiwanese population developing kidney stones in their lifetime. (With inputs from agencies)

Woman in Taiwan replaces drinking water with sweetened drinks, ends up with 300 kidney stones

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