Beijing has reserved large sections of offshore airspace from March 27 to May 6 without any official explanation, in a move described by experts as highly unusual. Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) were issued for zones from the Yellow Sea near South Korea to the East China Sea off Japan, covering an area larger than Taiwan and extending from surface to unlimited altitude. Such prolonged closures are normally associated with major military activity, yet no drills have been announced, raising questions about China's intentions. NDTV World + 4
Analysts see shift to sustained readiness
Military experts, including Ray Powell of Stanford University, say the combination of unlimited altitude and 40-day duration points to a sustained operational readiness posture rather than a short-term drill. Christopher Sharman of the US Naval War College suggested the restricted zones could be used for practising air combat manoeuvres relevant to a Taiwan conflict scenario. Taiwanese security officials believe China is exploiting US distraction in the Middle East to boost its military presence and pressure regional allies, particularly Japan. NDTV World + 4
Chinese forces operate near Taiwan
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported three Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels, and two official ships near its territory on April 6. All three aircraft crossed the median line into the island’s northern and eastern air defence identification zone. Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the situation and issued a response to the activity. Newsable Asianet News + 1
Potential scenarios and strategic implications
If linked to military drills, the airspace closure could be a rehearsal for controlling critical routes used by US forces in a Taiwan crisis, signalling deterrence to Japan and South Korea. Alternatively, it may serve as a long-term readiness measure to project power and test operational endurance without overtly escalating tensions. With US carrier groups currently in the Gulf and a Trump–Xi meeting scheduled for mid-May, the closure could also be a calculated move to shape the strategic environment ahead of high-level diplomacy. NDTV World + 4
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