TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated Wednesday (Jan. 24) that two Chinese balloons were detected crossing the Taiwan Strait median line in the previous 24 hours, with one passing over Taiwan.
According to the MND, the balloons' transit began Tuesday morning. The ministry reported that one balloon was located 90 nautical miles west of Keelung, while the other was spotted 113 nautical miles west of Pingtung.
In addition to the two balloons, Taiwanese forces spotted seven Chinese aircraft and five naval vessels continuously operating in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait within the same period.
The Republic of China Armed Forces, the nation's military, used mission aircraft and ships along with shore-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond to the situation, stated the MND.
The MND's announcement came at a time of increased cross-strait tension and served as a reminder of the region's ongoing security challenges.