For 12 of the past 13 days, Chinese military flights near Taiwan have disappeared from radar, marking the longest lull since 2021. The sudden halt comes after years of near-daily incursions that have become a signature pressure tactic from Beijing. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense recorded only two flights on Sunday, a stark contrast to the roughly 10 daily flights documented last year.

Analysts are scrambling to explain the shift. Some suggest China may be conserving resources amid rising oil prices from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Others point to the upcoming Xi-Trump summit in early April, speculating Beijing wants to present a less aggressive posture. The timing coincides with China's annual legislative session, though past sessions still saw sporadic flights.

Military experts note the change appears limited to air operations. People's Liberation Army naval vessels continue their usual patrols around Taiwan. While some interpret the pause as a diplomatic gesture, Taiwan's defense minister cautions against reading too much into the numbers alone. The reduction may also reflect internal military restructuring following high-level purges in the Chinese air force. As the legislative session concludes this week, all eyes will be on whether the flights resume, potentially revealing whether this represents a strategic shift or merely a temporary recalibration.