Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: February 18, 2023 at 19:00

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (18 th ) that an analysis and
comparison of the balloon remains discovered by Dongyin Area Command recently
were conducted by a professional team organized by the MND. The remnants were
found to be from a meteorological sounding instrument free from any cameras
(recordings) and audio-visual equipment.

As pointed out by the MND, the internal structure of the balloon includes antenna,
temperature (humidity) sensing elements, data transmitter boards, lithium batteries,
and other components, but without any cameras (recordings) or related storage
devices. The recovered remnants were dismantled and underwent forensic analysis.
As such, the device is believed to be of the same structure as a sound balloon.

The MND has further clarified that most of the air balloons discovered around the
Taiwan Strait have been concentrated around the time from December to February
based on statistics of recent years, as they are timed to the prevailing winding
direction. The MND will continue to make use of joint intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance measures to closely follow developments around the Taiwan
Strait.