PLA De-Escalates to 2 Sorties on April 3 — Oscillating Pattern Since March 29 Peak

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 2 PLA aircraft sorties around Taiwan on April 3, 2026 — a sharp decrease from 11 sorties recorded on April 1 — continuing the oscillating post-peak pattern that has characterized PLA signaling since the March 29 high of 19 sorties. Both sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ; 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships were also operating around Taiwan. Taiwan's Armed Forces deployed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response. The drop from 11 (April 1) to 2 (April 3) is consistent with PLA 'spike-and-retract' signaling observed throughout the late-March escalation and is likely designed to maintain ambiguity ahead of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's April 7-12 China visit — now 4 days away — allowing Beijing to signal both coercive pressure and diplomatic openness simultaneously.