Aerial near-daily patrols, combat-readiness patrols and large-scale joint forces drills vary in scale, intensity and purpose, analysts say
What were occasional sorties before 2020 have evolved into a well-coordinated campaign designed not only for combat training but also for strategic signalling.
But not all PLA operations around Taiwan are the same. They fall into three main categories: near-daily aerial patrols, combat-readiness patrols, and large-scale joint forces exercises – each varying in scale, intensity and purpose.
So what kind of signals do each of these send?
According to PLATracker, an open-source database based on Taiwanese defence ministry reports, fewer than 20 PLA aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in 2019.
