Chinese Militia Boat Spotted off Taiwan’s East Coast for First Time, Patrol Finds

A Chinese fishing boat identified as part of the country’s maritime militia was spotted off Taiwan’s east coast in August, according to a surveillance report reviewed by Reuters. The vessel, Minfudingyu 07902, was operating alongside a Chinese coast guard cutter and research ship more than 30 nautical miles from Hualien, Taiwan officials said. It was the first known sighting of a militia boat in the sensitive area. Taipei says overlapping Chinese military, coast guard and civilian activity could support preparations for a blockade; Beijing did not respond to requests for comment.