Taiwan says six Chinese balloons flew through its airspace

Taiwanese defence chiefs said Chinese warplanes and navy ships were also detected in the area (AP)

Taiwan has said six Chinese balloons either flew over the island or through airspace just north of it, while Chinese warplanes and navy ships were also detected in the area.

The dispatch of such balloons, which generally disappear into the Pacific to the east, appears to be on the rise, though their purpose has not been publicly announced.