By Micah Jonah
March 15, 2026
Taiwan has reported the return of significant Chinese military air activity around the island after an unexplained two-week absence which had sparked speculation in Taipei, according to the Taiwanese Defence Ministry.
Over the past 24 hours, Taiwan detected 26 Chinese military aircraft, primarily over the Taiwan Strait. Prior to this, the last major activity was recorded on February 25, when 30 aircrafts were spotted during a “joint combat readiness patrol.” From February 27 to March 7, sightings were limited to just two aircraft, with only sporadic small-scale incidents thereafter.
The motives behind China’s temporary absence remain unclear. Analysts suggest it could be linked to Beijing recalibrating its pressure campaign ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China at the end of March or internal military reshuffles by President Xi Jinping.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Taiwan President, Lai Ching-te for urging increased defence spending, warning that “reckless risks” could backfire.
Despite the pause in aerial activity, Taiwan Defence Minister, Wellington Koo emphasized that Chinese warships remained around the island, underscoring that the threat had not diminished. Taiwan continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
