In the turquoise waters of the South China Sea, hundreds of fishing boats often sit idle off the coast of China. While they appear to be commercial vessels, surveillance indicates the crews are not there to fish, but rather to maintain a strategic presence.
These vessels are part of China’s “maritime militia,” a state-funded fleet that functions as a “third maritime force.” This force operates alongside the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy to intimidate others and guard sovereignty in a contested region.
The Rise of ‘Ghost Ships’
Research from the US Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals that the scale of these operations reached a record high in 2025. The daily average of dispatched vessels rose from 100 in 2021 to more than 241 by 2025.
The fleet is divided between professional militia and civilian-staffed vessels. Professional ships are typically larger and keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) active, making them easy to track.
In contrast, smaller civilian vessels are often called “ghost ships” because they lack an AIS and can vanish from radar. Between 70 and 85 per cent of the fleet is operated by civilians under China’s Military-Civil Fusion policy.
Financial Incentives and Crewing
The Chinese government provides vessel upgrades, fuel subsidies, and a bonus for the “Nansha Backbone Fishing Fleet” (known in English as the Spratly Backbone Fishing Fleet). Five years ago, these payments were approximately $US3,500 ($5,400) per boat per day.
This lucrative system has shifted how boats are crewed. Rather than employing skilled fishers, owners often hire a skeleton staff of seven or eight people, sometimes including family members.
While they often appear to be simply dropping anchor, analysts suggest the militia performs critical roles. These include reconnaissance, intelligence surveillance, and providing logistics support.
Strategic Maneuvers and Regional Tension
The militia’s capabilities have been demonstrated in both the South and East China Seas. In December, 2,000 vessels—including barges and car ferries—formed a massive “snake formation” north of Taiwan, a pattern repeated by 1,200 vessels in January.
Chung Ting Huang of Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research suggests these may be rehearsals for a blockade and a form of “cognitive warfare.” Still, others suggest these formations could be related to bad weather, Lunar New Year exercises, or seasonal fishing.
Tensions are currently high during the annual Balikatan military exercise, running from April 20 to May 8. Thousands of troops from the US, Philippines, Australia, and Japan are conducting drills, including live-fire exercises in the South China Sea and maneuvers on Itbayat island.
China has warned that these exercises create “division and confrontation.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that tying together security efforts would only “backfire.”
Professionalization and Escalation
The militia’s roots trace back to Mao Zedong’s “People’s War” ideology. In 2013, President Xi Jinping praised the force as a “model unit” and encouraged the gathering of offshore intelligence.
Experts note that current and former navy personnel are increasingly integrated into these state-owned vessels. This influx has boosted the fleet’s professionalism and its ability to threaten neighbors.
This escalation was evident in December 2025, when the Philippine Coast Guard released video showing professional militia vessels using water cannons against Filipino fishermen near the Sabina Shoal. Details of the encounter are available here.
Looking Ahead
As the Balikatan exercises continue, analysts suggest China may deploy the maritime militia to monitor the drills and position pressure on Manila.
There is a possibility that China could attempt to embarrass the United States by massing militia vessels in other locations within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
While Vietnam also operates a smaller maritime militia, the scale and professionalization of China’s fleet may continue to influence the stability of this critical maritime trade route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “maritime militia”?
It is a state-funded fleet that acts as a “third maritime force” for China, operating alongside the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy to maintain presence and guard sovereignty.
What are “ghost ships”?
These are smaller, civilian-staffed militia vessels that do not use an Automatic Identification System (AIS), allowing them to vanish from radar screens.
Why are the “snake formations” significant?
Some experts view these coordinated mass gatherings of vessels north of Taiwan as rehearsals for a blockade and a form of cognitive warfare designed to rattle public morale.
Do you believe the use of civilian vessels for military purposes changes the way international maritime law should be applied?
