Taiwanese authorities have issued an emergency alert following the launch of a Chinese science satellite over the island’s airspace. The mobile phone alert, sent on Tuesday, coincides with the upcoming elections in Taiwan. China, which claims sovereignty over the island, is closely monitoring the situation, expressing concerns that the election outcome may escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The alert, sent in Chinese, warned the public of the satellite launch over the southern airspace, emphasizing the need for safety precautions. An English version, however, mistakenly referred to it as an “air raid alert” and mentioned a “missile flyover Taiwan airspace.” The defense ministry later apologized for the error, clarifying that it was related to a satellite launch.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, addressing a news conference in Taipei ahead of the elections, assured that the alert pertained to a satellite launch. He explained that when a rocket openly flies in the sky, debris might fall in the region, prompting the issuance of such alerts.
China’s state news agency, Xinhua, confirmed the launch of a new astronomical satellite, the Einstein Probe, from the southwestern province of Sichuan. The satellite aims to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe, comparable to the flickering of fireworks.
With Taiwan’s elections approaching, China has maintained a near-daily military presence, including fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones around the island. Frontrunner Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s current vice president, has accused Beijing of employing various means to influence the vote. China has framed the election as a choice between war and peace.
