Following a hiatus of more than two weeks, China has resumed extensive military flights in proximity to Taiwan, prompting concerns in Taipei and speculation regarding Beijing’s intentions. In the last 24 hours, 26 Chinese aircraft were reported in the Taiwan Strait.
On March 15, Taiwan announced the return of active Chinese military air operations around the island, which had been absent since late February. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense noted that the last significant military activity occurred on February 25, when 30 aircraft were detected during a “joint combat readiness patrol.”
Between February 27 and March 7, Chinese military aircraft were virtually absent, with only sporadic minor incidents occurring afterward. Beijing has not provided any explanations for this pause or commented on the recent uptick in activity.
On Saturday, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te for his remarks regarding increased defense spending and the protection of the island’s democracy. The statement warned, “Individuals like Lai Ching-te should not be mistaken; if they dare to recklessly take risks, they will dig their own graves.”
Officials and experts in Taipei speculate that the reasons behind the temporary absence of Chinese aircraft may range from a strategic recalibration by Beijing ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China on March 31, to an internal military purge within China.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that while the aircraft had temporarily disappeared, Chinese naval vessels remained active around the island, indicating that the threat from China persists.
In his New Year’s address, Chinese leader Xi Jinping stated that the reunification of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait is “inevitable.” The U.S. State Department has previously noted that military maneuvers and rhetoric from Beijing regarding Taiwan “heighten tensions.”
The People’s Republic of China considers the self-governing island of Taiwan as part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to reclaim it. Conversely, Taiwan views itself as a separate entity from mainland China, possessing its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.
China's recent resumption of military flights near Taiwan has raised concerns and speculation about its motives. This follows a two-week pause in activities, during which Chinese aircraft were notably absent, leading to questions regarding Beijing's strategic intentions.