"Taiwan Reports First Direct Overflight by Chinese Balloons Ahead of Election"

Taiwan's defence ministry reported that three Chinese balloons flew near a major Taiwanese air base, marking the first time such balloons have crossed the island since similar incidents in the Taiwan Strait last month. This event raises concerns about potential Chinese surveillance ahead of Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13. The ministry is monitoring these activities, which have increased over the past four years, as China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan.