China is strengthening its maritime militia made up of fishing boats trained for military operations. Recent fishing boat operations are jangling nerves in Taiwan — and increasingly in rival Japan.

Satellite images show more than 2,000 Chinese fishing vessels forming a vast blockade near Japan, highlighting Beijing’s growing use of maritime militias.

These “gray‑zone” tactics blur civilian and military lines, complicating surveillance and pressuring rivals like Japan and Taiwan.

Analysts warn the rapidly expanding fleets could escalate regional tensions and risk dangerous miscalculations.