An all-time record number of balloons from mainland China have been detected in Taiwan’s area, South Korean social media reported.
The balloons were spotted on Friday, the day before the start of the Lunar New Year holiday, at altitudes ranging from 15,000 feet (4,572 metres) to 38,000 feet, the highest number of balloons detected since the ministry began regularly publishing balloon sightings in December.
In recent years, Beijing has stepped up military pressure and deploys warplanes and naval vessels around the island on an almost daily basis, because it sees Taiwan as a part of China that should be reunited by force if necessary.
Although most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington opposes any attempt to take over the self-governing island by force and is ready to supply it with arms.
The balloon sightings came after Taiwan’s presidential election last month, which was won by William Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, whom Beijing considers a “separatist.”
Beijing warned that a win by Lai Ching-te would bring “war and decline” to Taiwan.
According to Taipei, 33 People’s Liberation Army warplanes found near Taiwan were the largest incursions since the 13 January vote.
