Story perspectives

China Resumes Flights as Tensions with Taiwan Rise

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

China resumed flights near Taiwan as five People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone on March 13–14.
Analysts say the lull may have aimed to reduce tensions ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi.
The Trump administration is delaying a significant arms sale to Taiwan to facilitate the visit.
Chinese naval operations around Taiwan have persisted, underscoring Taiwan's alert status.

History

Historical Context

The Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1995 intensified tensions between China and Taiwan, following U.S. military support for Taiwan, including $2 billion in arms. This crisis echoed earlier conflicts, such as the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958, and established a precedent for ongoing military maneuvers by China near Taiwan. Today, these historical tensions continue to shape U.S.-China relations and regional stability.

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Story summary

China resumed flights near Taiwan as five People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone on March 13–14.
Analysts say the lull may have aimed to reduce tensions ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi.
The Trump administration is delaying a significant arms sale to Taiwan to facilitate the visit.
Chinese naval operations around Taiwan have persisted, underscoring Taiwan's alert status.

1 / 2