The Taiwanese military again discovers suspected Chinese balloons. These images show the extent of the flooding in Germany

Taiwan’s military says it has discovered four suspected balloons from China over its territory. Three of them flew over the island republic southwest of Ching Chuan Kang air base in a northeasterly direction on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday in its daily report on China’s military activities. A fourth flew past the island to the northwest. The incident was reminiscent of the overflight of a Chinese balloon in the United States last year. Washington accused Beijing of using it for espionage. However, China said the balloon had drifted and was being used to measure the weather. The US shot the plane out of the sky.

It was said that it was being investigated whether the balloons over Taiwan had served other purposes besides measurements. According to their own statements, the authorities closely monitored the overflight. A Chinese balloon flew over Taiwanese territory on Monday. The Taiwanese military has repeatedly reported such incidents since early December. Usually the balloons disappear a short time later.

In Taiwan, the people will elect a new president and parliament on January 13. China considers the island republic, which has had a democratic government for decades, as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to achieve reunification by military means if necessary. Chinese fighter jets fly into Taiwan’s air defense zone almost every day, to which the island must respond. (sda/dpa)