Beijing has massed up to 2,000 fishing vessels in coordinated formations near Taiwan, raising concerns over blockade rehearsals, AFP reports. Satellite tracking data showed large groups of Chinese vessels assembling in geometric patterns in the East China Sea, sometimes holding position for about 30 hours despite near gale-force conditions before dispersing quickly. Experts said the behaviour does not match normal fishing operations.

The massive mobilisation signals Beijing’s growing ability to weaponise civilian fleets for state-directed objectives, potentially threatening one of the world’s busiest trade corridors. The scale and precision of the formations suggest a test of mobilisation capacity for regional contingencies involving Taiwan or Japan. This activity follows a broader pattern of assertive maritime conduct, with Chinese coast guard vessels also entering waters near Japan’s Senkaku Islands on March 16.

“The vessels are clearly not fishing,” analysts told AFP, pointing to their tight spacing and prolonged stationary positioning in open waters. Some experts said the fleets likely include elements of China’s maritime militia, a network of civilian boats trained to support military objectives and previously used to assert territorial claims in disputed waters.

Taiwan is accelerating coast guard upgrades and military coordination to counter the threat of a maritime blockade, The Japan Times reports. Officials said Beijing is actively rehearsing encirclement scenarios designed to cut the island off from external support. Taipei plans to deploy 40 new patrol vessels by 2033, supported by a $195mn  investment, while expanding its use of radar systems and drones to build a 24-hour surveillance network.

The coast guard is also stepping up joint drills with the military, signalling a shift towards integrated defence operations. In the event of conflict, the agency would support naval missions and could equip certain vessels with missile systems. This defensive pivot comes as China maintains sustained military pressure; Taiwan’s defence ministry detected 26 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating near the island on March 15, according to AP.

Taiwanese officials warned that Beijing’s actions combine practical training with psychological pressure aimed at weakening public confidence in the island’s defences. Despite the growing pressure, Taipei said it will avoid escalation while continuing to strengthen deterrence and crisis response capabilities.