China launched four “spy balloons” over Taiwan Tuesday — three of which floated near a key air force base — the country’s defense ministry said.
Three of the balloons passed by the Ching-Chuan-Kang air base, where Taiwan keeps many of its tactical fighter wings dedicated to defending the island against China’s military threat. The fourth hovered north of Keelung, a major trading port with Japan.
The possible intelligence-collecting devices sent by China come as the communist nation has threatened to invade and annex the self-governing republic — and ahead of presidential elections on the island.
Elections for president and legislature will be held on Jan. 13 and China has attempted to influence voters to elect pro-unification politicians through military, diplomatic and economic pressure.
Polls project the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party winning as Taiwanese citizens hope to keep their independence from mainland China.
The People’s Liberation Army of China has a fleet of the so-called spy balloons equipped with technology designed to collect confidential information from other countries.
Last February, US officials shot down a massive Chinese balloon believed to be spying on military operations in North America.
The expansive aerial surveillance program has targeted more than 40 countries, according to the Biden administration.
With Post wires