Military

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

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By TaiwanPlus

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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.

Chinese Militia Ship Spotted East of Taiwan

REPORTER:  
Reuters reported that a Chinese maritime militia vessel was spotted off Taiwan’s east coast in August—the first known sighting of its kind.

A report from Taiwan’s Apex Aviation recorded the Chinese fishing boat, which is known to double as a military vessel. The boat was reportedly accompanied by a Chinese coast guard ship and a research vessel. Taiwanese officials said the three ships were operating in an area not commonly used by Chinese craft. They believe China is practicing for a potential blockade. Beijing has increased coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan since June.

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Chinese Military Ship Spotted East of Taiwan

REPORTER:  
A Chinese military vessel was spotted off Taiwan’s east coast in August, the first known sighting of its kind according to a Reuters report.

A surveillance report from Taiwan’s Apex Aviation recorded seeing the Chinese fishing boat which is known to double as a military vessel. The boat was accompanied by a Chinese coast guard ship and a research vessel at the time. An official said the three ships were operating in an area not commonly used by Chinese craft. An analyst says they believe China is practicing for a potential maritime blockade. Beijing has increased coast guard patrols in Taiwan’s eastern waters since June.