China launches satellite: nationwide alert in Taiwan

China announced that it has successfully launched a satellite into space. As reported by China Broadcasting Corporation CCTV, the “Einstein” research satellite was launched aboard a launch vehicle at 3:03 a.m. (local time, 8:03 a.m. CET) today from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in northwestern Sichuan Province. .

She added that the satellite had entered its “intended orbit.” CCTV footage showed the rocket rising surrounded by white smoke and then shortly afterwards separating from the satellite.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the satellite will be used for astronomical observations, especially “mysterious, fleeting phenomena in the universe that resemble the flash of fireworks.”

Worry about falling debris

As a result of the satellite launch, a national emergency alert was sounded in Taiwan, about 2,000 kilometers away. The warning sent to mobile phones said: “China launched a satellite that flew over southern airspace.” The authorities called on people to seek safety.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu justified the state of anxiety that spread across the country due to the danger of falling debris. He described the satellite launch as an attempt to intimidate Beijing. “In the face of this kind of threats against Taiwan, we must be vigilant and not be provoked,” he stressed.

Taiwan elections

Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that should be reunited with the mainland – by military force if necessary.

The election outcome is seen as crucial to the future relationship between Taipei and an increasingly aggressive Beijing, and is therefore eagerly awaited internationally.