"Taiwan Accuses Chinese Spy Balloons of Endangering Aviation and Waging Psychological Warfare"

Taiwan's defence ministry has accused China of using balloons to threaten aviation safety and conduct psychological warfare ahead of Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13. The balloons, which have been spotted near or over Taiwan and its air bases, are seen as part of China's "grey zone" tactics, which Taiwan previously downplayed as weather monitoring. China's Taiwan Affairs Office accuses Taiwan's ruling party of exaggerating the threat for electoral gain, while the U.S. expresses support for Taiwan's democratic process amidst concerns of interference. Taiwan's Vice President and presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has called for unity against authoritarian pressures.