Taiwan's Defense Ministry Apologizes For Sending Text To Residents Calling Chinese Satellite Launch a "Missile" Flyover
Taiwan's Defense Ministry Apologizes For Sending Text To Residents Calling Chinese Satellite Launch a "Missile" Flyover
The Chinese satellite launch cited by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense was for “astronomical observation” according to Chinese state-run news.
TAIPEI - Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has apologized after it texted an emergency Presidential Alert to the island’s residents and accidentally called a Chinese satellite launch that flew over Taiwan a “missile flyover [in] Taiwan’s airspace” in the English translation.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry Calls Chinese Balloon Activity "Grey Zone Harassment, 4 More Balloons Spotted As Elections Near
The Chinese satellite launch cited by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense was for “astronomical observation” according to Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua.
The text message that had been sent to residents said, "China launched a satellite at 15:04 and has flown over the southern sky. People are asked to pay attention to safety". It added, "If an unknown object is found, notify the fire department to deal with it”.
The English language translation of the statement used the word “missile” instead of “satellite" which caused some concerns, especially because Taiwan’s January 13th presidential election is just days away.
There have been concerns that China would be increasing its “Grey Zone” warfare ahead of the island’s presidential elections in order to intimidate voters into a favored outcome for Beijing.