Taiwan reported on January 22 that six Chinese balloons were detected either flying over the island or through airspace just north of it, accompanied by the presence of Chinese warplanes and navy ships in the area. The purpose of these balloons remains unclear, but they appear to be part of China’s ongoing campaign to harass Taiwan.
China has been employing “gray area tactics” to assert its claims over Taiwan, using military and civilian means to blur lines and provoke without confrontation. This recent activity comes amidst heightened tensions in the region and ongoing military posturing by China around Taiwan.