Chinese Warplanes Halt Activity Around Taiwan During Trump-Xi Talks

Taipei. Chinese warplanes flying around Taiwan have become almost normal. Every day, some planes can be seen flying near Taiwan. But Chinese warplane activity around Taiwan has stopped while US President Donald Trump has started his state visit to China and is holding important talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, no Chinese warplanes were seen in the skies around Taiwan in the last 24 hours until Friday. However, it has been reported that seven Chinese naval ships were found operating in the sea areas around Taiwan.

Taiwan has been claimed as part of China's territory. China's ruling Communist Party has been reiterating its commitment to 'reunify' with Taiwan. President Xi Jinping has also warned that military force may be used if necessary.

In the last five years, China has significantly increased the number of military aircraft it sends near Taiwan. However, Chinese warplane activity stopped for about two weeks from the end of February to March, which was considered the longest period of peace since Taiwan began publicly publishing daily military statistics.

At that time, analysts made various speculations. According to one major view, China may have deliberately reduced military activity before the meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, which was scheduled to take place. That meeting was later postponed.