Taiwan has detected the return of large-scale Chinese military flights around the island following an unusual two-week absence, raising renewed concerns over Beijing’s intentions.
The activity includes fighter jets and other military aircraft concentrated in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported that 26 Chinese military aircraft were observed in the Taiwan Strait over the past 24 hours. This marks the return of large-scale operations after more than two weeks of limited activity.
The previous major sighting occurred on February 25, when Taiwan reported 30 aircraft as part of a “joint combat readiness patrol.” From February 27 to March 7, only sporadic, small-scale incursions were noted, with just two aircraft spotted near Taiwan’s far southwest.
China has not provided any explanation for the absence or the renewed flights and did not respond to requests for comment.
Taiwan criticises Beijing’s threats
The Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office condemned President Lai Ching-te’s recent speech advocating for increased defence spending and the protection of Taiwan’s democratic system. A spokesperson warned that “people like Lai Ching-te should not miscalculate; if they dare to take reckless risks, they will dig their own grave.”
Taiwanese officials suggest the brief disappearance of aircraft could have been a strategic pause by Beijing, possibly linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned China visit from March 31 or Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of senior military officials.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that while the aircraft had temporarily withdrawn, Chinese warships remained near the island. “China’s threat has not gone away,” he noted, underscoring the continuous risk to Taiwan’s security.
Experts in Taipei say that such large-scale Chinese military exercises serve as a signal to both domestic and international audiences, demonstrating Beijing’s readiness to assert pressure on Taiwan.
