Tag

Maritime Militia

All articles tagged with #maritime militia

world3 days ago•38 min saved

China Tests Maritime Control Tactics With Swarms of Fishing Boats

The New York Times analyzed AIS data and found that China twice mobilized thousands of civilian fishing boats to form massive, densely packed formations in the East China Sea (one in December and another in January), creating floating barriers about 200 miles long. Experts say the maneuvers indicate a coordinated effort to train and showcase maritime militia capabilities, enabling Beijing to rapidly muster large numbers of vessels to monitor or disrupt sea lanes in a potential Taiwan crisis, even though such boats alone could not enforce a blockade.

via The New York Times|

#blockade #east-china-sea #maritime-militia

international-relations2 years ago•3 min saved

China's Maritime Militia: A Growing Threat in the South China Sea

China's maritime militia ships were spotted anchored inside Philippine-held territory in the South China Sea, a move described as possibly unprecedented. The presence of at least 11 Chinese militia ships within Second Thomas Shoal, a contested area, comes after standoffs between Philippine and Chinese vessels. The Philippines claims that China's territorial assertions violate international maritime law, while China argues that the Philippine boats were trespassing. The situation remains tense, with China potentially testing American resolve, and experts believe Beijing aims to take control of the shoal without directly assaulting the still-commissioned Philippine Navy ship stationed there.

via Newsweek|

#china #international-relations #maritime-militia

international-relations2 years ago•3 min saved

Escalating Tensions: China's Aggressive Maritime Actions in the South China Sea

Satellite photos reveal that dozens of Chinese maritime militia ships are occupying a disputed territory in the South China Sea, known as Whitsun Reef, which is claimed by both China and the Philippines. The reef is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China's maritime militia is using fishing boats to assert control over the area. The fleet has been accused of engaging in unsafe and aggressive actions by the US State Department. The Chinese ships were seen rafted together near the reef, establishing semi-persistent floating outposts. The presence of the militia boats is part of China's strategy to gradually expand its reach in the South China Sea.

via Newsweek|

#china #disputed-territory #international-relations

international-relations2 years ago•1 min saved

Philippines Confronts China's Swarming Presence in South China Sea

The Philippines has accused China of "swarming" Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea with over 135 military boats, raising concerns over the growing presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area. The disputed waters have been a source of tension between China, the Philippines, and other countries, with an international tribunal invalidating China's claim to 90% of the South China Sea in 2016. Friction between the Philippines and China has increased since Ferdinand Marcos Jr became president, and recent joint patrols with the US and Australia have further escalated tensions. The contested waters have also become a naval flashpoint for China-US relations, with President Biden pledging to defend the Philippines in case of any attack.

via BBC.com|

#china #international-relations #maritime-militia

international-relations2 years ago•7 min saved

Philippines Takes Legal Action Against China's Coral Reef Destruction in South China Sea

The Philippines has accused China's maritime militia of deliberately destroying coral reefs in the South China Sea. Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed bleached corals in underwater features within the country's exclusive economic zone. China has rejected the accusation, claiming "false and groundless" allegations. The destruction of the reefs highlights the threats of coral harvesting and raises suspicions about China's plans to militarize the atolls through reclamation. Western marine security experts and officials have accused China of using civilian fishing vessels as a maritime militia to assert its territorial claims. The Philippines' calls for transparency have garnered international support, with foreign ambassadors expressing alarm over the destruction of marine resources.

via CNN|

#china #coral-reefs #international-relations

international-relations2 years ago•5 min saved

Tensions rise as Philippine Coast Guard and Chinese warship narrowly avoid collision in South China Sea.

Two Philippine Coast Guard cutters patrolling the South China Sea encountered a Chinese warship and reported aggressive maneuvers by China Coast Guard vessels, as well as identifying over 100 Chinese Maritime Militia ships operating in the area. The Chinese warship challenged the Philippine Coast Guard vessels and directed them to leave the area, warning that a failure to comply could lead to a problem. The Philippine President called for the final adoption of a Philippines-China direct communication line in the wake of the near collision between the Philippine and Chinese ships.

via USNI News|

#china #coast-guard #international-relations