BEIJING DAILY - 7 MARCH 2026
Xi Jinping Meets Military Leaders During Two Sessions; PLA Taiwan Flight Halt Extends to Eight Days
Xi Jinping Attends Military Delegation Meeting During Critical Two Sessions Period
Xi Jinping participated in the PLA and Armed Police delegation meeting during the annual legislative session, demonstrating continued high-level engagement with military leadership during China's key political gathering. This comes as Beijing sets modest economic growth targets while facing what officials describe as a 'grave' external environment.
China's Foreign Minister Scheduled to Address Foreign Policy Amid Iran Crisis
Chinese Foreign Minister is set to hold a press conference on foreign policy and international relations during the Two Sessions period. This provides Beijing a formal platform to articulate diplomatic positions amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and broader international tensions.
China Continues Absence of PLA Flights Near Taiwan for Seventh Consecutive Day
China has not dispatched warplanes near Taiwan for seven straight days, marking Beijing's longest absence since Taipei began regular disclosure of such activities. This mysterious suspension continues amid Middle East developments and China's focus on Two Sessions proceedings.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: President XI Jinping attended the PLA and Armed Police delegation session during Two Sessions, sustaining direct military engagement amid what Beijing terms a "grave external environment." The PLA's unexplained absence from Taiwan Strait operations reached eight consecutive days -- the longest since Taiwan began regular disclosure -- coinciding with escalating U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and raising questions about possible strategic recalibration. Foreign Minister WANG Yi's scheduled Two Sessions press conference positions Beijing's most prominent diplomatic messaging opportunity since the Iran crisis began. Chinese equities fell broadly as global semiconductor indices dropped 4.58% and oil prices surged over 12% on Middle East volatility. END SUMMARY.
