NEW DELHI: China’s maritime militia, historically elusive and misunderstood, has markedly increased its visibility in the South China Sea disputes over the past year, according to data by the Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. This rise in visibility comes through a significant uptick in militia vessels involved in altercations and standoffs, particularly with the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal.These actions, closely aligned with the China Coast Guard, have brought international attention to the situation through widespread media coverage.
Increased militia presence
In 2023, an examination of satellite imagery from Planet Labs revealed a persistent presence of Chinese militia ships across nine key locations in the South China Sea.
As per a Bloomberg report, the increase from a year earlier was accompanied by ‘a dramatic shift’ in vessels to Mischief Reef in the summer of 2023 when over 180 boats were observed gathered there from July. The reef is also claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam.
“The data shows that China’s militia is as active as ever,” the report says. “The reason for this increase, an anomaly compared to the previous year’s peak of only 37 vessels at Mischief, is unclear.”
This review identified an average daily presence of 195 militia ships, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.
Militia composition and operations
The analysis differentiated between professional militia vessels from Hainan and the so-called “Spratly Backbone Fleet” of commercial ships operating under subsidies in contested waters. The focus was on vessels between 45 to 65 meters, a size indicative of Chinese militia trawlers and distinct from other regional fishing or coast guard ships. This approach aimed to provide a clearer picture of militia activities, despite not capturing the entirety of operations across the vast maritime area.
Seasonal variations and geographical focus
The data also highlighted seasonal reductions in militia presence, particularly from late December to mid-February, likely due to holiday periods. Nonetheless, the largest and most consistent gatherings of militia ships were observed at Hughes and Whitsun Reefs, underscoring the strategic importance of Union Banks as a preferred militia anchorage.
Militia’s role in regional disputes
The increased militia activity, especially at Mischief Reef, raises questions about China’s strategic intentions in the region. Despite the militia’s primary involvement in areas like Union Banks, their readiness to support China Coast Guard operations during contentious periods, such as the resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, demonstrates their operational flexibility and strategic importance to China’s broader maritime objectives.
The evolving role and increasing assertiveness of China’s maritime militia pose significant challenges for regional security and the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The anticipated regulatory changes and the militia’s expanding presence indicate a strategic shift that could impact the regional power dynamics and necessitate a recalibrated response from neighboring countries and international stakeholders.
Increased militia presence
In 2023, an examination of satellite imagery from Planet Labs revealed a persistent presence of Chinese militia ships across nine key locations in the South China Sea.
As per a Bloomberg report, the increase from a year earlier was accompanied by ‘a dramatic shift’ in vessels to Mischief Reef in the summer of 2023 when over 180 boats were observed gathered there from July. The reef is also claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam.
“The data shows that China’s militia is as active as ever,” the report says. “The reason for this increase, an anomaly compared to the previous year’s peak of only 37 vessels at Mischief, is unclear.”
This review identified an average daily presence of 195 militia ships, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.
Militia composition and operations
The analysis differentiated between professional militia vessels from Hainan and the so-called “Spratly Backbone Fleet” of commercial ships operating under subsidies in contested waters. The focus was on vessels between 45 to 65 meters, a size indicative of Chinese militia trawlers and distinct from other regional fishing or coast guard ships. This approach aimed to provide a clearer picture of militia activities, despite not capturing the entirety of operations across the vast maritime area.
Seasonal variations and geographical focus
The data also highlighted seasonal reductions in militia presence, particularly from late December to mid-February, likely due to holiday periods. Nonetheless, the largest and most consistent gatherings of militia ships were observed at Hughes and Whitsun Reefs, underscoring the strategic importance of Union Banks as a preferred militia anchorage.
Militia’s role in regional disputes
The increased militia activity, especially at Mischief Reef, raises questions about China’s strategic intentions in the region. Despite the militia’s primary involvement in areas like Union Banks, their readiness to support China Coast Guard operations during contentious periods, such as the resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, demonstrates their operational flexibility and strategic importance to China’s broader maritime objectives.
The evolving role and increasing assertiveness of China’s maritime militia pose significant challenges for regional security and the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The anticipated regulatory changes and the militia’s expanding presence indicate a strategic shift that could impact the regional power dynamics and necessitate a recalibrated response from neighboring countries and international stakeholders.
