A map shows the activity of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the 24 hours that ended at 6am yesterday. However, as Washington is shifting military resources toward the Middle East amid its war with Iran, Beijing has resumed pressure on Taiwan and the first island chain, seeking to capitalize on the changing regional dynamics, the official said. Beijing’s rhetoric sought to create the illusion that the Taiwan Strait issue was not urgent, they said. China had sought to shape conditions ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting by portraying itself as a stabilizing actor in the Taiwan Strait, the official said. However, with the meeting delayed and regional conditions shifting, Beijing has adjusted its approach and renewed pressure on Taiwan, they said.

Source: Taipei Times March 20, 2026 17:14 UTC