China’s Maritime Militia Raises Concerns with Drills Near Taiwan
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China's Maritime Militia Raises Concerns with Drills Near Taiwan
- In late 2025 and early 2026, China's maritime militia conducted large-scale formations involving thousands of vessels near Taiwan, which analysts interpret as rehearsals for a potential blockade.
- These activities, including a 466-kilometer L-shaped formation on Christmas Day 2025, are part of China's "grey zone" tactics, aiming to assert maritime claims without direct military conflict.
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China’s maritime militia, often described as a “third sea force” alongside its navy and coast guard, has been increasingly active, particularly in the East and South China Seas. This militia is comprised of civilian fishing vessels and personnel who receive training and are organized by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) local military commands, though many operate under a civilian guise. These vessels are sometimes armed or equipped with surveillance technology, and can engage in dangerous maneuvers such as ramming or shouldering other ships.
In December 2025, approximately 2,000 maritime militia vessels formed a 466-kilometer L-shape northeast of Taiwan, simulating the cutting off of foreign shipping lanes. A similar formation of 1,400 vessels, stretching 200 miles, was observed in the East China Sea around January 11, 2026, forcing cargo ships to alter their courses. These coordinated movements, which analysts say serve no fishing purpose, are seen as potential rehearsals for a blockade or maritime quarantine of Taiwan.
The militia’s actions are considered part of China’s “grey zone” strategy, which involves using non-traditional forces to pursue security objectives without escalating to conventional warfare. This approach allows China to assert its maritime claims and test the responses of other nations while maintaining deniability regarding state involvement. The recent formations near Taiwan are viewed as a “structured probing campaign” to assess Taiwan’s maritime response capabilities. These developments have raised concerns among international observers about potential implications for regional stability and global trade, as more than one-third of global trade transits through these waters.