“Drastic shift”: The South China Sea sees an increase in activity by China’s marine militia

NEW DELHI: According to statistics from the Washington-based Asia marine Transparency Initiative, China’s marine militia, which has always been elusive and misunderstood, has significantly raised its profile in the South China Sea conflicts over the last year. This increased visibility is a result of a notable increase in the number of militia boats engaged in conflicts and standoffs, especially at Second Thomas Shoal with the Philippines.

Through extensive media coverage, these actions—which are closely linked with the China Coast Guard—have drawn attention to the crisis on a global scale.
A greater number of militia members
In 2023, Chinese militia ships were consistently seen in nine significant South China Sea areas, according to an analysis of Planet Labs satellite images.
Bloomberg reports that the spike from the previous year coincided with ‘a significant change’ in the number of vessels to Mischief Reef during the summer of 2023, with over 180 boats seen congregated there starting in July. Vietnam and the Philippines also claim the reef.
The study states, “The data demonstrates that China’s militia is as active as ever.” “It is unclear why there has been an anomaly of this magnitude at Mischief compared to the peak of only 37 vessels last year.”
A 35% rise from the previous year was seen in the average daily presence of 195 militia ships, according to this analysis.
Composition and functions of the militia
The research distinguished between the so-called “Spratly Backbone Fleet” of commercial ships operating in disputed seas under subsidies and the Hainan professional militia boats. The boats in question ranged in size from 45 to 65 meters, which is characteristic of Chinese militia trawlers as opposed to other local fishing vessels or coast guard vessels. This method did not cover all of the actions over the large maritime region, but it did try to provide a fuller picture of militia activity.
Seasonal changes and place-specific emphasis
The statistics also showed seasonal drops in the militia’s presence, especially between late December and mid-February, when holidays are probably to blame. However, the biggest and most regular militia ship assemblies were seen near Hughes and Whitsun Reefs, highlighting Union Banks’ strategic value as a militia harbor.
The function of militia in local conflicts
China’s geopolitical ambitions in the area are called into doubt by the growing militia activities, particularly around Mischief Reef. The militia is primarily involved in areas such as Union Banks, but it also shows how flexible and strategically important they are to China’s larger maritime goals that they are willing to support Coast Guard operations during tense times, like the resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal.
The South China Sea territorial disputes and regional security are seriously threatened by China’s marine militia’s growing aggressiveness and changing role. The militia’s growing presence and the expected changes in regulations point to a strategic shift that may affect the balance of power in the area and require other nations and international players to reevaluate their responses.