Analysts say the recent pause may be aimed at creating a conciliatory atmosphere in advance of this month’s leaders’ meeting
The number of PLA naval vessels detected in the same period by Taipei, however, remained in line with previous levels at between five and seven, the data showed.
While it has become a norm for PLA warplanes to manoeuvre near Taiwan on an almost daily basis, the ministry recorded none over a total of 11 days in February, including a three-day stretch from February 16 to 18 around Chinese New Year.
It was the first time since 2024 that PLA warplanes did not fly during the three days from the eve of the new year to the second day of the lunar calendar.
Analysts said the restraint contrasted with Beijing’s strategic pattern of recent years and may be linked to the coming meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
