China/Philippines/South China Sea: China's Maritime Militia: The 'Gray Zone' Force in the South China Sea

Dec 22, 2023 | Micah McCartney, Newsweek
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The maritime militia fleet is the vanguard of Beijing's strategy to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the region, experts say, with its blue-hulled ships a frequent sight at territorial standoffs in the South China Sea. The maritime militia is considered by analysts to be China's third sea force alongside its navy and coast guard. The Chinese government maintains the fleet is little more than a group of patriotic fishermen.