Report: China Expands Presence East of Taiwan With Militia-Linked Vessel – TaiwanPlus

A Chinese maritime militia vessel was spotted off Taiwan’s east coast in August, marking the first known sighting of its kind, according to Reuters. A report by Taiwan’s Apex Aviation identified the vessel as a Chinese fishing boat known to double as a military asset. The boat was reportedly accompanied by a Chinese coast guard ship and a research vessel. Taiwanese officials said the three ships were operating in waters not commonly used by Chinese vessels and assessed the activity as possible preparation for a future blockade scenario. Beijing has increased coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan since June.