Taiwan’s defense ministry issues an air raid alert saying China has launched a satellite

By The Associated Press on January 9, 2024.

A phone and watch that received an air raid alert is placed together for a photo in New Taipei City, Taiwan Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Taiwanâ€™s defense ministry has issued an alert saying China has launched a satellite and urging caution. The Chinese reads "â€œAir Raid Alert. China at 15:04 launched a satellite, already flown past the southern air space, Citizens to be aware of safety. If any unidentified object is found, alert police and fire fighters to handle. National Defense Ministry.â€ (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – Taiwan’s defense ministry has issued an alert saying China has launched a satellite and urging caution.

The alert Tuesday comes days before Taiwan has presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, which China has described as a choice between war and peace.

China views Taiwan, which is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off China’s east coast, as a renegade province that must come under its control.

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