Taiwan reported the return of large-scale Chinese air force activities around the island after a two-week absence, sparking speculation in Taipei about Beijing's motives.
China views Taiwan as its own territory and normally sends fighter jets, drones, and other military aircraft around the island daily, with interruptions caused by bad weather.
Taiwan's defence ministry detected 26 Chinese military aircraft in the Taiwan Strait over the previous 24 hours, the first large-scale incident since February 25.
China has provided no explanation for its motives, but its Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Taiwan President Lai Ching-te for discussing the need to boost defence spending and protect democracy.
Experts in Taipei suggest reasons for the disappearance of the aircraft could include Beijing recalibrating its pressure campaign ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned visit to China or President Xi Jinping's purge of senior Chinese generals.
