Chinese Maritime Militia Clashed With US Coast Guard Near Latin America: Report

Taiwan’s security at risk with the expansion of China’s maritime militia

Some of the 220 Chinese vessels are seen moored at Whitsun Reef, South China Sea, on March 7, 2021. The Philippine government expressed concern after spotting more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels it believed were crewed by militias at a reef claimed by both countries in the South China Sea, but it did not immediately lodge a protest. Philippine Coast Guard/National Task Force-West Philippine Sea via AP

News Analysis

An armed U.S. Coast Guard cutter reportedly came into direct conflict with China’s maritime militia off the coast of Ecuador over the summer, according to Coast Guard and non-military officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. China’s maritime militia potentially violates international maritime agreements and poses a risk to Taiwan’s security.