PLA fighter jet sorties near Taiwan drop to a three-year low
The number of People's Liberation Army fighter jets detected near Taiwan more than halved year on year in the first half of this year, marking a three-year low. The number of days with no PLA jets detected also hit a new high.
There has been a marked shift in the skies and waters around Taiwan this year. In the first half of 2026, the number of People's Liberation Army fighter jets detected near the island more than halved year on year, falling to 1,334.
According to a South China Morning Post tally based on data from Taiwan's defence ministry, that marks the lowest operational tempo since 2023. Over the same period, the number of days with no PLA jets detected by Taiwan also hit a new high.
Analysts have not fully explained the drop, and are debating whether it signals an easing of regional tension or simply a shift in the PLA's operational style. Taiwanese officials say they are continuing to monitor the trend closely.
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