TAIPEI, March 15 — Taiwan today reported a renewed surge in Chinese air force activity around the island after more than two weeks of relative quiet, which had prompted speculation in Taipei over Beijing’s intentions.
TAIPEI, March 15 — Taiwan today reported a renewed surge in Chinese air force activity around the island after more than two weeks of relative quiet, which had prompted speculation in Taipei over Beijing’s intentions.
China, which regards self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory, typically sends fighter jets, drones and other military aircraft near the island almost daily, with pauses usually linked to poor weather conditions.
In its daily update this morning, Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 26 Chinese military aircraft in the past 24 hours, mainly operating in the Taiwan Strait. The last time such a high number was reported was on February 25, when 30 aircraft were spotted during what Taipei described as another Chinese “joint combat readiness patrol”.
From February 27, Taiwan reported no Chinese military aircraft until March 7, when two were detected far to the island’s southwest. Since then, only sporadic and small-scale activities had been recorded.
China has not explained the pause in its air operations and did not respond to a request for comment today.
However, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office late Saturday criticised Taiwan President Lai Ching-te following a speech in which he emphasised the need to strengthen defence spending and safeguard the island’s democracy.
“People like Lai Ching-te should not miscalculate; if they dare to take reckless risks, they will dig their own grave,” an office spokesperson said in a statement.
Officials and analysts in Taipei have suggested several possible reasons for the temporary halt in Chinese air activity, ranging from Beijing adjusting its pressure campaign ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China from March 31, to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of senior military generals.
Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said that although Chinese aircraft activity had decreased during that period, Chinese warships remained deployed around the island, and the threat from Beijing had not diminished.
Taiwan’s government continues to reject China’s claims of sovereignty over the island. — Reuters
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