China is using civilian fishing vessels for maritime militia operations in the Taiwan Strait, heightening regional security concerns. Analysts warn that these maritime militia operations blur the line between civilian and military activity.
A report by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found Beijing is deploying dual-use, unmarked fishing vessels for surveillance and harassment. The goal appears to coerce Taiwan while avoiding open conflict.
CSIS researchers tracked GPS and automatic identification system signals of 315 China-flagged fishing vessels. They identified 128 to 209 vessels as suspicious because they spent over 30 percent of their time in military drill areas or under 10 percent in genuine fishing waters.
Furthermore, 209 vessels showed AIS anomalies. Analysts observed ships “going dark,” changing identifiers, or masking movements near PLA exercise zones. Some vessels changed names in the international registry during AIS blackouts. One vessel reportedly used 11 maritime service IDs and altered them 1,300 times in a year.
CSIS urged intelligence agencies to map corporate ownership of suspicious vessels. The think tank recommended sanctions against repeat offenders, including owners, insurers, and operators, to reduce deniability and raise operational costs.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported 3,003 PLA sorties over the Taiwan Strait median line and 2,000 vessels entering the exclusive economic zone from January to last month. The PLA typically operates aircraft and vessels near Taiwan three to four times monthly.
Taiwan is enhancing reconnaissance capabilities by developing long-range uncrewed vehicles with high-resolution optical devices, infrared sensors, and radars. These drones will integrate into a common platform for real-time intelligence sharing between the armed forces and foreign partners.
The ministry added that Taiwan continues joint intelligence gathering and monitoring of Chinese activities. The armed forces remain prepared to respond with appropriate force to safeguard sovereignty and security.
Experts highlight that maritime militia operations demonstrate China’s increasing use of gray zone tactics. These operations complicate international law enforcement and pose growing strategic challenges.
The combination of CSIS analysis and Taiwan’s defensive measures shows heightened regional vigilance. Observers expect Taiwan to continue expanding surveillance technologies while coordinating with allies to deter further maritime militia operations.
