South China Sea Controversy: China Trains Sophisticated Fishing Militia To Sail Into Disputed Waters
China is training and supporting an increasingly sophisticated fishing militia to sail into the South China Sea, where the Asian powerhouse is engaged in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and several other countries in the region.
A fishing fleet based in a port town on Hainan island — China's southern-most point — has been provided with military training and subsidies, as well as fuel for the training exercises, provincial government officials, regional diplomats and fishing company executives said in recent interviews, according to Reuters.