Taiwan has reported the return of large-scale Chinese air force activity around the island after a pause of more than two weeks that had prompted speculation about Beijing’s intentions.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 26 Chinese military aircraft operating near the island over the previous 24 hours, most of them concentrated in the Taiwan Strait.

The ministry last reported a similar level of activity on 25 February, when it spotted 30 Chinese aircraft during what Beijing described as a “joint combat readiness patrol”.

Unusual Break In Flights

Between 27 February and early March, Taiwan recorded almost no Chinese military aircraft near the island an unusual interruption in the near-daily flights normally carried out by China’s military.

The lull raised questions among analysts in Taipei about whether Beijing was recalibrating its pressure campaign.

China has not publicly explained the temporary reduction in flights.

Political Tensions Rising

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticised Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te after he delivered a speech calling for increased defence spending and stronger measures to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy.

In a statement, the office warned that Taiwan’s leadership should not “miscalculate”.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has intensified military pressure around the island in recent years.

Military Presence Continues

Taiwanese officials say the threat from China has not diminished despite the brief lull in air activity.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo noted that Chinese warships remained active around Taiwan during the period when aircraft activity declined.

Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says only the island’s people can decide their future.

(with inputs from Reuters)