China sends spy balloon over Taiwan- the usual excuse?

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported today (Monday) the detection of a Chinese balloon over the sea in the north of the island. This is the first time since April that such an incident has been reported, and it is considered in Taiwan to be part of a pattern of harassment by Beijing.

The ministry said the balloon was spotted at 6:21 p.m. on Sunday, about 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) north of the port of Keelung. The balloon flew at an altitude of 33,000 feet (10,000 meters) and disappeared after about two hours, without crossing the island itself.

Taiwan, which strongly opposes China's claim to sovereignty, has repeatedly stressed that "only the people of the island can decide their own future." These tactics are designed to wear down the opponent without leading to direct combat.

It was also claimed that in the run-up to the presidential elections expected in January, China's balloon activity took place on an "unprecedented scale" as part of Beijing's efforts to increase pressure on Taiwan.

* Kikar Hashabbat contributed to this article.