Taiwan announced today (Wednesday) that it has detected 4 Chinese drones above the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China, with 3 of these drones flying directly over the island.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense released a diagram showing 3 drones flying over the island on Tuesday, heading northeast, after the “Jiangxi-Kang” was detected, which houses a military airbase in the city of Taichung, west of Taiwan, according to the French Press Agency.
The ministry explained that the lowest altitude of one of these drones was 3600 meters above sea level.
Taiwan began monitoring these Chinese drones last month as the presidential elections on the island on January 13th approached.
In December, the Taiwanese authorities spotted Chinese drones on 6 occasions.
Chinese drones have become a politically sensitive issue since last February when the United States shot down a Chinese balloon over its territory, claiming it was for military spying, while Beijing asserted it was a civilian balloon that deviated from its course.
Taiwan, with a population of 24 million, is preparing to elect a new president and parliament on January 13th.
In recent years, Beijing has increased its military and political pressure on Taiwan, considering it an integral part of its territory, and confirming that the process of reunification with the Chinese mainland will occur even by force. However, the appearance of drones remains a relatively rare event.
One of the main topics raised in the presidential elections in Taiwan is how the candidates will manage relations with China.
The Taiwanese authorities have expressed concern several times about Beijing’s alleged interference in the upcoming elections and disinformation campaigns.
