China resumes air activity near Taiwan after brief pause - Reuters
Illustrative photo: China resumes military aviation activity near Taiwan after a pause (Getty Images)
Taiwan has reported a resurgence of large-scale Chinese military aircraft activity near the island after an unexplained pause that lasted more than two weeks, according to Reuters.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 26 Chinese aircraft were observed near the Taiwan Strait over the past 24 hours.
The last time such a number was recorded was on February 25, when China sent 30 aircraft to the island as part of a "joint combat readiness patrol."
From February 27 until March 7, Taiwan did not record any Chinese military aviation near the island. On March 7, two planes were spotted in the far southwest of Taiwan, with only isolated minor incidents reported afterward.
China has not commented on the recent activity.
Experts and officials in Taipei suggest the decrease in flight intensity may have been linked to a shift in Beijing's pressure tactics ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China on March 31, as well as ongoing personnel reshuffles among high-ranking Chinese generals conducted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo noted that although the aircraft are not currently conducting active operations, Chinese warships remain around the island, and the threat from China remains real.
Previously, the Taiwan Affairs Office of China sharply criticized Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te for calling for increased defense spending and the protection of democracy on the island.
Where Taiwan is located
Taiwan is an island roughly 160 km off the southeastern coast of China. It sits in the so-called "first island chain," which includes US-friendly territories critical to American foreign policy.
Conflict between China and Taiwan
China considers Taiwan a separatist province that will eventually come under Beijing's control.
Taiwan, however, sees itself as an independent state with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has previously stated that "reunification" with Taiwan is necessary and has not ruled out using force to achieve it.
In recent years, tensions have increased due to intensified Chinese military drills near the island, rising cyberattacks, and attempts to limit Taiwan's international support.
According to Western intelligence, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could occur as early as November 2026.
