China militia boat spotted for first time off Taiwan’s east coast, patrol finds
Taipei regards the area off its east coast as critical to wartime supply routes from allies in the event of a blockade or conflict.
Taiwan reported the sighting of a Chinese militia boat, along with two other vessels, off its eastern coast in August, marking the first known encounter of such a craft in the region, according to a surveillance report reviewed by reporters. The report, provided by Taiwan’s Apex Aviation, identifies the Minfudingyu 07902 as a fishing boat that also serves as a Chinese militia vessel. The vessel was observed operating alongside a Chinese coast guard cutter and a research vessel during a mid-August day.
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has increased its military activity off the island’s eastern coast since June, with regular coast guard patrols being a common sight. Taiwan, however, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and believes that China is conducting military exercises to prepare for a potential maritime blockade using a combination of military, paramilitary, and civilian assets.
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