On Monday, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that a Chinese balloon had been spotted near the island’s anti-aircraft guns in northwestern Taiwan for the first time since April.

The ministry reports that the balloon was spotted at 18:21 (local time) on Sunday, about 111 kilometres northwest of the island at 10,058 meters. According to the same source, the balloon left the air defence zone at 20:15. The Defense Ministry publishes daily data on the Chinese military presence around the neighbouring island.

In addition to the balloon, 12 fighter jets and seven warships were sighted around Taiwan between Sunday morning and Monday morning. During the January presidential election, China has frequently sent balloons overseas to the island. Taiwan sees the practice as a form of intimidation.

Beijing regularly sends fighter jets, drones, warships, and sometimes balloons to put pressure on Taiwan. China sees democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory that can be retaken by force if necessary.