China’s state-backed fishing fleet, led by the shadowy Maritime Militia, has rapidly evolved into a symbol of unchecked resource exploitation, ecological degradation, and geopolitical manoeuvring. Operating under the guise of commercial fishing, this fleet is a critical instrument in Beijing’s broader strategy to assert dominance in key maritime regions, including the Indian Ocean. The dual impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—depleting marine resources while militarizing contested waters—presents a challenge that transcends borders and demands collective global action.
China’s Maritime Militia: A Covert Strategic Force
The Maritime Militia is not just an armada of fishing vessels; it is a hybrid force blending civilian and military characteristics. Often heavily subsidized and armed with advanced technology, including satellite communication systems, the fleet operates with state sanction to advance Chinese strategic interests. This quasi-civilian entity acts as a grey-zone force, allowing Beijing to achieve geopolitical objectives while maintaining plausible deniability.
Reports from Global Fishing Watch and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) highlight the Maritime Militia’s central role in IUU fishing. In 2023, nearly 95% of IUU incidents in foreign Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) involved Chinese vessels. Their presence is particularly pronounced in the Indian Ocean, where they have targeted the fisheries of smaller nations such as Somalia, Kenya, and Madagascar. These fleets exploit the limited enforcement capabilities of littoral states, operating with impunity in waters vital for local economies and food security.
Ecological Devastation
The ecological consequences of Chinese IUU fishing are dire. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that over 34% of global fish stocks are now overfished, with Chinese vessels disproportionately contributing to this crisis. In the Indian Ocean, tuna—a critical resource for nations like Maldives and Sri Lanka—is nearing unsustainable depletion.
Illegal fishing methods, such as bottom trawling and targeting juvenile fish, exacerbate the decline, while coral reefs, which sustain marine biodiversity, have suffered irreparable damage.
A 2023 study by the World Resources Institute revealed a 14% decline in Indian Ocean coral reef ecosystems over the last decade, with illegal fishing identified as a primary driver. These environmental impacts are not confined to national boundaries; the degradation of marine ecosystems has ripple effects on global food security and biodiversity, with long-term consequences for ocean health.
Economic Fallout for Littoral Nations
For nations bordering the Indian Ocean, the economic ramifications of Chinese IUU fishing are profound. Fisheries form the backbone of local economies, supporting livelihoods, exports, and food security. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission reported in 2023 that annual economic losses from IUU fishing in the region exceeded $5 billion. Small-scale fishermen, unable to compete with heavily subsidized Chinese fleets, are often forced to abandon traditional fishing grounds or endure significant income losses.
In Sri Lanka, for instance, artisanal fishermen reported losses of over $20 million in 2023 due to incursions by Chinese vessels. Similarly, Somalia, already struggling with governance challenges, has seen its fishing communities displaced, further destabilizing an already fragile state. The cumulative effect of these losses is an erosion of economic sovereignty and increased dependency on international aid.
Militarization of the Indian Ocean
The militarization resulting from China’s fishing activities represents a more insidious threat. When confronted with enforcement measures, Beijing frequently responds by deploying the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Chinese Coast Guard to protect its fishing fleets. This calculated escalation transforms fishing disputes into strategic standoffs, heightening tensions in an already contested region.
In 2022, Indonesia’s detention of Chinese fishing vessels near the Natuna Islands led to a swift PLAN response, resulting in a standoff that required diplomatic intervention. Similar incidents in Sri Lanka’s EEZ highlight China’s willingness to militarize even ostensibly commercial disputes.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted a 30% increase in PLAN deployments to the Indian Ocean in the past three years, with many missions tied to the protection of Chinese fishing operations.
This militarization is not limited to the Indian Ocean. The South China Sea has witnessed a similar pattern, with Chinese vessels encroaching on the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, often under the cover of fishing. These actions have emboldened China’s broader maritime ambitions while eroding the sovereignty of smaller nations.
A Broader Geopolitical Agenda
China’s IUU fishing activities and the associated militarization reflect a deliberate strategy to consolidate its dominance in the maritime domain. By leveraging its Maritime Militia, Beijing asserts control over critical chokepoints, undermines the sovereignty of littoral nations, and reinforces its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) goals.
Ports such as Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Gwadar in Pakistan, ostensibly commercial hubs, have been repurposed as dual-use facilities, blending trade and military functions. The Maritime Militia’s activities also align with China’s strategy of creating a permanent presence in contested waters without crossing the threshold of outright conflict. This “grey zone” approach blurs the lines between civilian and military actions, complicating responses from regional and global actors.
Policy Responses and Collective Action
Addressing China’s IUU fishing and its broader implications requires coordinated international action. Littoral states must strengthen regional enforcement capabilities through joint patrols, shared intelligence, and collaborative frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Quad. Investments in satellite-based tracking systems and real-time surveillance, such as those provided by Project Eyes on the Sea, can help detect and deter illegal activities.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) offers a legal basis for action, but enforcement mechanisms remain weak. Regional coalitions should advocate for stricter penalties and mechanisms to hold state-sponsored actors accountable. Beyond enforcement, coastal nations need financial and technical support to restore damaged ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Strategic naval cooperation will also be critical. The Quad, along with partners such as France and the UK, must enhance naval deployments to the Indian Ocean to counter China’s militarization and ensure freedom of navigation. Joint exercises and patrols can act as a deterrent while reinforcing the principle of a rules-based maritime order.
Is Regional Cooperation the Answer?
China’s Maritime Militia represents a multifaceted challenge that combines ecological devastation, economic disruption, and strategic militarization. Its IUU fishing practices threaten the livelihoods of millions and destabilize one of the world’s most critical maritime regions. The militarization of disputes further complicates the picture, creating the risk of broader confrontations in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
For the region to remain a space of shared prosperity, the international community must act decisively. Strengthened enforcement, legal accountability, and regional cooperation will counter China’s maritime ambitions and restore balance to the world’s oceans. As the stakes continue to rise, the fight against IUU fishing is no longer just about marine resources—it is about preserving the principles of sovereignty, sustainability, and peace in a rapidly changing world.
