China’s maritime militia–civilian fishing vessels reportedly staged Taiwan blockade rehearsals using two large formations near major shipping lanes. On December 25, 2,000 Chinese fishing boats sailed to the East China Sea and formed two parallel lines in a reverse L-shape, each stretching 290 miles, Forbes reported.Around January 11, 1,400 vessels created a 200-mile long rectangle in the East China Sea. According to the New York Times, cargo ships had to veer around or zigzag through the dense formation.Analysts say that many of the boats were known militia vessels, and the level of coordination suggests state direction. The civilian cover, experts say, is part of the Beijing’s legal warfare strategy–designed to complicate a potential defence of Taiwan. Maritime militia vessels often do not use Automatic Identification Systems, or “spoof” their signals, in violation of international law.
