Mainland China’s military appeared to have stepped up manoeuvres near Taiwan during the country’s extended Lunar New Year holiday, usually a quiet period for defence and exercise activity.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sent an average of 13 aircraft and six navy vessels near Taiwan during the 15-day holiday period, compared with nine aircraft and six vessels in the same period a year earlier, according to data released by Taiwan’s defence ministry.
This time, however, the aircraft flew much closer to the self-ruled island, in line with at trend that began after William Lai Ching-te, from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), took office in May last year.
The annual holiday, for which the dates vary each year based on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, concluded last week on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
During the two-week-long period, 70 per cent of the aircraft crossed the de facto median line between mainland China and Taiwan, up from 32 per cent a year earlier, according to the Taiwan figures.
Analysts said the development was expected as Beijing regularised its military posture on Taiwan, a self-ruled island which it considers part of its territory that must be taken under its control, by force if necessary.
But during a festival that embodies family reunions, the PLA adopted a warm tone on social media, stressing hopes for “the reunion of Taiwan” along with clips about the military exercises.
Most countries, including the United States, do not regard Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the island by force and is committed to provide Taipei with arms.
Chang Yen-ting, a retired Taiwanese air force lieutenant general, said the increased military posturing during the most important Chinese holiday could be intended as “more effective propaganda” for public consumption on the mainland.
“It is meant to tell the public that … for the great cause of reunification, the military has sacrificed their own family reunion time,” he said.
By regularising military activities near Taiwan, Beijing also wanted to “stress its sphere of influence, and that [the Taiwan Strait] is part of their territory … but that does not pose actual threats [to Taiwan]”, Chang said.
The Eastern Theatre Command – which is responsible for the Taiwan Strait – conducted “multiple combat readiness patrols and exercises” near Taiwan from January 29 – the Lunar New Year’s Eve – until the Latern Festival on February 12, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
They included a “confrontation drill” on the last day of Lunar New Year, which was led by the PLA naval frigate Huaibei, according to CCTV.
Groups of J-10C multi-role fighters patrolled around Taiwan on the same day, while several H-6K bombers were also deployed on missions, the report said.
The island’s defence ministry reported that 30 PLA aircraft and seven vessels operated near Taiwan that day, with 23 aircraft crossing the de facto median line.
Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former PLA instructor, said the PLA has always conducted patrols during national holidays.
He said the uptick in sorties was part of the “regularisation of high-pressure drills” aimed at improving readiness.
But the PLA softened its reporting on the drills, with the Eastern Theatre Command posting interviews with service personnel wishing for reunion with Taiwan.
“I look over the beautiful lights on both sides of the strait from the air … and wish that not only individual families should reunite, but also the wider family of the country,” a pilot said in a post on the air force’s official WeChat account.
In another post, a sailor on a frigate said: “As we are sailing on the Taiwan Strait during the Lantern Festival, making and eating [snacks], we are hoping Taiwan will return to the country soon.”
On the same day as the Latern Festival, which symbolises good hope and family unity, CCTV aired a video of radio greetings sent from the Huaibei to a Taiwanese warship.
Other factors may have also contributed to the jump in PLA aircraft patrols near Taiwan during the period.
“When there are foreign military exercises [nearby], the PLA would also increase its forces for close reconnaissance, and the practice is mutual,” Song said.
Strike groups from the United States and France, together with a destroyer from Japan, held a 10-day joint exercise from February 8 in the Celebes Sea and the Philippine Sea, which included anti-submarine and air defence drills.
The PLA has regularly sent forces to monitor foreign vessel activities in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing has extensive territorial claims.
In a message to the military before the Lunar New Year, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the chairman of the military’s decision-making Central Military Commission, stressed the need to increase “war preparation and duties”, including during festivals.
Xi has made similar calls during visits before the Spring Festival over the past two years.
