PLA ramps up Taiwan patrols after lull as Beijing slams Lai’s ‘independence confession’

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Amber WangMarch 16, 2026 at 12:19 PM

AI Summary

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Following a two-week lull, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) increased aircraft sorties near Taiwan over the weekend. Taiwan's defense ministry detected 26 PLA aircraft operating around the island between Saturday and Sunday, with 16 entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). This surge in activity is the highest since late February. The increased PLA activity occurred after a speech by Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te, which Beijing strongly criticized as an "independence confession." Analysts suggest the previous pause in PLA activity may have been due to factors such as a potential upcoming visit by a US leader to Beijing.

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Key Player Opposition Context

South China Morning Post 30% United States 40% Donald Trump 50% Taiwan Defence Ministry 70% Beijing ×380% William Lai Ching-te 85% People's Liberation Army ×390% Taiwan ×695%

Keywords

taiwan 90% pla aircraft sorties 90% beijing 80% military activity 70% air defence identification zone 70% china 60% political tension 60% william lai ching-te 60% taiwan strait 50% independence 40%