Taiwan says large-scale Chinese military flights return after unusual absence
China, which considers democratically governed Taiwan its territory, normally sends fighter jets, drones and other military aircraft around the island on a daily basis, with disruptions often caused by bad weather.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said in its daily update on Sunday morning that 26 Chinese military aircraft were detected concentrating in the Taiwan Strait in the past 24 hours. It last reported detecting 30 aircraft on February 25, after many said Beijing was conducting another “joint combat readiness patrol.”
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Beginning on February 27, Taiwan reported that no Chinese military aircraft were detected until March 7, when it detected two aircraft towards southwest Taiwan. Only occasional small-scale incidents have occurred since then.
China did not provide any explanation for its reasons and did not respond to a further request for comment on Sunday.
But China’s Taiwan Affairs Office late Saturday scolded Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te for a speech that day discussing the need to increase defense spending and preserve 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.”
Officials and experts in Taipei said the reasons for the plane’s disappearance could range from Beijing trying to recalibrate its pressure campaign ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China on March 31 to President Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of top Chinese generals.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo said that while the plane was leaving, Chinese warships remained around the island and China’s threat had not disappeared.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
