MARITIME MILITIAS: THE KEY TO ASSERTING MARITIME SOVEREIGNTY
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Authors
Dizon, Glenn Z.
Subjects
maritime militia
South China Sea
SCS
overlapping maritime claims
claimant states
nine-dash-line
maritime incidents
maritime forces
fishermen
gray zone
hybrid warfare
Chinese Maritime Militia
CMM
People’s Liberation Army Navy
PLAN
South China Sea
SCS
overlapping maritime claims
claimant states
nine-dash-line
maritime incidents
maritime forces
fishermen
gray zone
hybrid warfare
Chinese Maritime Militia
CMM
People’s Liberation Army Navy
PLAN
Advisors
Dahl, Erik J.
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
One of China’s actors in asserting sovereignty over the contested maritime domain is the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM), composed of civilian fishing vessels and crews that can be considered a maritime force organized and supported at the provincial level that is separate from China's Coast Guard and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Establishing the degree to which the CMM can serve to assert China’s sovereignty is important, as the CMM primarily operates on the frontlines in contested maritime domains such as the South China Sea (SCS). Maritime incidents in the contested region demonstrate how China attempts to use the CMM to expand its presence and to attempt to assert its sovereignty. CMM’s ability to seek support from the government and collaborate with CCG and PLAN during operations is crucial to its roles and functions. The CMM’s effectiveness in asserting maritime sovereignty relies on its political and operational effectiveness, which translates into government support and collaboration with other maritime forces. This thesis finds that the presence of the CMM in the disputed region is insufficient to ensure the successful assertion of China’s maritime sovereignty; nevertheless, the CMM’s effectiveness is enhanced when combined with that of the CCG or the PLAN.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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