Taiwan says China uses militia boats to expand 'battlefield preparation'

· Security · Taiwan · China

Taiwan's Coast Guard said China is combining militia vessels with coast guard ships to expand "battlefield preparation" around Taiwan and into the western Pacific, warning the operations were also putting pressure on Japan and the Philippines. The assessment was reported on Friday as Beijing steps up maritime activity in the region. Taiwan has repeatedly flagged China's use of civilian and militia vessels in disputed waters as part of a broader campaign of pressure short of open conflict.

Why it matters：Militia-escorted patrols expand gray-zone pressure across the western Pacific, raising the risk of miscalculation with Japan and the Philippines as well as Taiwan.

Key points

  • Taiwan's Coast Guard says militia vessels are being paired with coast guard ships
  • The operations extend into the western Pacific, per Taipei
  • Taiwan says Japan and the Philippines are also under pressure

Sources (original reporting)

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