Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that on Saturday, 26 Chinese military aircraft were detected operating around the island, with 16 crossing into the nation’s northern, central and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). In addition, seven Chinese naval vessels were observed patrolling nearby waters.
The surge follows a two‑week lull in Chinese air activity that had left analysts puzzled. From Feb. 27 to Mar. 5, Taiwan said no Chinese planes entered its ADIZ or crossed the median line that separates the two sides. Only two aircraft were spotted on March 6, and none were detected for the next four days before a handful reappeared later in the week.
Officials noted that the sharp decline coincided with the annual meeting of China’s legislature, a period that has historically seen a reduction in such flights. However, analysts cautioned that the meeting alone could not explain the drop. Some suggested the slowdown might also be an attempt to ease tensions ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for March 31 to April 2, according to a White House announcement.
Other observers pointed to a possible shift in China’s military training and modernization strategy, indicating that the People’s Liberation Army could be testing a new model for joint operations among its services.
China has repeatedly warned that it will take Taiwan by force if necessary, and Beijing’s warplanes and navy vessels have approached the island on a near‑daily basis in recent years. Despite the recent dip in air activity, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that China’s navy remains active in the surrounding waters.
The renewed Chinese presence comes as Washington prepares for President Trump’s upcoming China visit, raising concerns about how the flare‑up might influence U.S.–China‑Taiwan dynamics in the weeks ahead.