According to a recently published investigation by AFP, China is concentrating its fishing fleet near Taiwan in the East China Sea in unusual and ever-growing formations, which could also be used strategically in the event of a potential invasion of Taiwan.
Satellite imagery and maritime tracking data cited in the investigation show large clusters of Chinese vessels gathering in waters close to Taiwan and other disputed areas in the region. While many of the ships are officially registered as fishing boats, the boats also form part of China’s “maritime militia” — a network of civilian vessels that can be mobilised to support the country’s military objectives.
China is currently planning to invade Taiwan and military exercises for the invasion have been increasing gradually.
China’s maritime militia is also used to systematically exploit fishing stocks of international waters making China the biggest source of illegal fishing in the world.
China is also increasingly active in the waters of the Philippines, where its coast guard and maritime militia vessels have repeatedly confronted and harassed Filipino ships, including in Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) and Sabina Shoal, where Chinese vessels have attempted to block Philippine resupply missions and patrols
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