According to a new claim citing top officials, China has flown dozens of military spy balloons in Taiwanese airspace over many years, with the most recent intrusion allegedly occurring just a few weeks ago.
The United States fired down a suspected spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina after it passed over critical military locations in North America. The incident aroused surveillance worries and worsened poor relations between the two nations.
China vs. Taiwan
The US military shot down several further "objects" over the weekend. In February of last year, the Taiwanese defense ministry verified the presence of balloons when four batches of Chinese balloons were spotted floating above the island's northern region.
According to Taiwan's military, it has the power to fire down "threats" based on the level of concern. To assert its claim to the island, China has increased its military aggressiveness near Taiwan, including sending a record number of jets into Taiwanese airspace.
Per The Independent, China asserts that Taiwan is part of its national territory, although Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949 when it split from the mainland following a civil war.
The suspected spy balloons detected in Taiwan's airspace purportedly flew at an altitude of around 6,000 meters. Their dimensions and payload surpassed weather balloons permitted to traverse sovereign territory without prior authorization.
According to those who work with military and intelligence in Asia, the Equipment Development Department created the observed balloons, the component of China's Central Military Commission responsible for weapon systems.
According to a Taiwanese official, spy balloons have gathered atmospheric data for radar and missile systems. To prevent inaccuracies, the readings must be frequently updated to account for seasonal and yearly fluctuations.
The allegation of the alleged spy balloons comes only weeks after one of Taiwan's most notable allies, the United States, shot down a Chinese balloon that had entered its territory. Beijing has already threatened to annex the island through military force. According to a senior US general, the United States and China might engage in a brutal conflict by 2025 if Taiwan is bombed.
Taiwanese officials said the Chinese-made balloons soar at an altitude of around 20,000 feet, and their proportions surpass those of weather balloons. According to the study, military analysts assert that China's Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission designed the balloons.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force launched the balloons while the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force deployed others. The spy balloons monitor atmospheric data to increase the precision of radar and missile systems, The Sun reported.
These atmospheric measurements must be continuously updated to account for seasonal and annual fluctuations. Other Asia-Pacific nations, notably Japan and the Philippines, have witnessed balloon invasions into their airspace.
The balloon saga occurred as tensions between the United States and China escalated. Chief of the US Air Force's Air Mobility Command, Mike Minihan, was forthright in a leaked document on the tensions between the two countries.
US Officials Might Visit Taiwan
The China Select Committee of the US House of Representatives is examining the possible repercussions of sending a congressional delegation to Taiwan while being aware that such a step may generate a strong response from Beijing.
Rob Wittman, a member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party and a representative from Virginia, stated that some committee members are considering a trip to Taiwan as a show of solidarity. He admitted that this would anger China, which considers Taiwan a portion of its territory, as per Republic World.
Wittman believes it is essential to demonstrate that the United States stands with Taiwan and sends a strong message. The newly formed US Congressional Committee on China wants to address the threats posed by Beijing in various sectors, including national security, commerce, and the economy.
If the trip occurs, the committee chairman, Wittman, has discussed the potential of having a field hearing in Taiwan. This follows indications that the next Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, may visit Taiwan as early as this spring.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned the United States against such activities and urged it to adhere to the One China concept. McCarthy has emphasized, however, that China cannot influence his trip destinations.
Related Article: China Spy Balloon: US Shoots Down 4th Unidentified Object
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