Taiwan's Defense Ministry on Saturday condemned Beijing for sending balloons over the median line separating the self-governing island from mainland China, which it called a “serious threat” to communications, airstrikes and a form of harassment.
China, which views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has vowed to one day regain control of the island, using force if necessary.
Beijing has increased its military and political pressure in recent years, sending an unprecedented number of fighter jets and warships across the island.
In December, Taipei's Defense Ministry began reporting Chinese balloons appearing around Taiwan and noted at least four incidents of them flying directly over the island.
“Because of their recent development [les ballons] “pose a serious threat to the safety of many international air routes,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement condemning China’s “disregard for aviation safety.”
The ministry also released an illustration on Saturday showing two Chinese balloons that it said had crossed the center line the day before, including one directly over the island.
“[Le] The main aim of the recent balloon detection is to harass [type] “Gray area” with the aim of using cognitive warfare to influence the morale of our people,” the statement continued.
“Grey zone” tactics refer to aggressive measures taken by a state that eschews open warfare. Many experts believe China is doing just that with its almost daily display of military force around the island of Taiwan.
“We call for an immediate end to this practice to ensure aviation safety in the region,” the ministry said.
The statement comes a week before Taiwan's presidential election and, depending on voters' choices, is crucial to the future of the island's relations with Beijing.
Since the election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, China has cut off all high-level communications with its government because it does not recognize Beijing's sovereignty over the island.