Chinese military activity near Taiwan has decreased significantly in the first half of 2026. The number of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jet sorties detected around the island fell to 1,334, more than halving the previous year’s numbers. This represents a three-year low in operational tempo, the lowest since 2023, according to data compiled by the South China Morning Post from Taiwan’s defense ministry. Notably, the number of days with *no* detected PLA aircraft reached a new high. The reasons for this decline remain unclear. Experts suggest potential shifts in strategy or a focus on other areas of military development could be factors. This reduction in air activity is a noteworthy development in the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.