ANKARA

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry on Saturday claimed that it detected two more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait over the past 24 hours.

The ministry said on X that it also detected eight aircraft and six ships, with one of the aircraft entering southwest Air Defense Information Zone (ADIZ). Beijing does not recognize the ADIZ.

The statement came just hours ahead of the beginning of polling in Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

Last week, Taiwan said that four Chinese balloons flew past skies over the Island.

China considers Taiwan its breakaway province. Taipei, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid