China’s maritime operations present a complex threat to security in the Pacific Ocean. At the forefront of this issue is the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM). This group operates under the guise of civilian fishing boats while acting as an extension of China’s military strategy. The militia combines activities such as intelligence gathering and coercive presence missions with support for naval operations, blurring the lines between military and civilian activities.
The sheer size of China’s fishing fleet is noteworthy. The nation boasts the world’s largest fishing fleet, which also serves the political agenda of the Chinese Communist Party. As global observers assess the fleet’s operational scale, estimates suggest that the number of Chinese distant-water vessels could vary dramatically, from about 2,700 to as many as 200,000 in times of crisis. Even the most modest estimates still indicate that the total number of Chinese-flagged fishing vessels exceeds 50,000.
The operational tactics employed by the maritime militia include intimidating rival nations with coordinated actions. Instances of swarming, long-term anchoring, and rafting have been reported, especially during confrontations involving nations such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan. These confrontations often entail occupying and asserting claims to disputed locations like Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoal without firing a shot. The strategy relies on a carefully orchestrated display of strength rather than overt aggression, raising concerns over the potential for miscalculation and escalation in the region.
Recent satellite imagery and government reports indicate a significant shift toward more aggressive maneuvers. Instead of merely adhering to fishing activities, militia vessels are increasingly operating near fortified Chinese outposts. Such behavior signals a potential change in China’s intentions, as they seem to be shedding the veneer of civilian operation to focus more on military objectives. In this context, the militia stands ready to play a crucial role in wartime strategies, particularly regarding Taiwan.
As part of its military planning, the Chinese government aims to utilize its maritime militia to facilitate logistics during a conflict. Civilian vessels will be pivotal for transporting troops, coordinating special operations, and providing critical support to warships. Such a large-scale mobilization represents an unprecedented civilian effort in modern military conflict.
The motivations behind these operations are closely tied to Xi Jinping’s vision of national rejuvenation, consolidating China’s status as a global power. This ambition underscores the importance of maritime control for economic and territorial interests, particularly regarding resources and trade routes. Under this strategy, China’s maritime militia acts as a front-line instrument of state policy, enforcing both sovereignty and resource claims while challenging U.S. interests in international waters.
China’s approach raises urgent questions for the United States and its allies. The ambiguity surrounding the militia’s status complicates how these nations might respond to potential provocations. The militia’s connections to civil activities, while executing military-like maneuvers, blur the boundaries of international maritime law and complicate defense strategies. As China’s maritime ambitions expand, vigilance and responsiveness will be vital to navigating this increasingly complex landscape.
"*" indicates required fields
