Taiwan reported today the large-scale resumption of Chinese air force activities around the island, after an unexplained absence of more than two weeks that had fueled speculation in Taipei about the reasons for this development.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 26 Chinese military aircraft have been spotted over the past 24 hours, mostly concentrated in the Taiwan Strait. The last time a similar number was reported was on February 25, when 30 aircraft were identified during a "joint combat readiness patrol."
From February 27 to March 7, Taiwanese authorities reported almost no Chinese air activity, except for a few sporadic incidents involving a small number of aircraft. Beijing has not yet provided an explanation for this unusual disruption and did not respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, China's Taiwan Affairs Office sharply criticized Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te after a speech in which he stressed the need to increase defense spending and protect the island's democracy. In its response, the office warned that if Taiwan takes "reckless risks," it will face serious consequences.
Experts in Taipei have suggested several possible reasons for the temporary absence of Chinese aircraft, including a recalibration of Beijing's pressure strategy ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned visit to China on March 31, or ongoing purges of senior generals by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On the other hand, Taiwan's Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, stressed that although air activity was reduced for a period, Chinese warships have been constantly around the island and the threat from China remains present. The Taiwanese government continues to reject Beijing's claims to sovereignty over the island.
