‘Record’ Chinese maritime militia deployed in South China Sea in 2025: US report

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Seong Hyeon ChoiFebruary 24, 2026 at 11:18 AM

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A US think tank report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) indicates that China deployed a record number of maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea in 2025, averaging 241 vessels daily. This is an increase from 232 vessels per day in 2024. The militia includes both professional members and civilian members of the state-subsidized "Spratly Backbone Fishing Fleet." While deployments were high, the report also noted a concentration of civilian fishing fleets near less contested reefs. The Chinese foreign ministry has consistently denied the existence of a state-sponsored maritime militia involved in South China Sea disputes.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing ×250% Chinese foreign ministry 60% Spratly Backbone Fishing Fleet 70% United States 70% Centre for Strategic and International Studies 70% Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) 80% Chinese maritime militia ×390% China ×390% South China Sea ×6100%

Keywords

south china sea 100% maritime militia 100% chinese 70% fishing fleets 60% deployments 50% us report 50% spratly backbone fishing fleet 40% strategic role 40%