South China Sea militia vessel presence reaches 241 daily average

The presence of Chinese militia boats in the South China Sea has reached a daily average of 241 vessels, with heavy concentrations around Mischief and Whitsun reefs. This activity occurs alongside the ongoing militarization of small islands in the region.

While Beijing has not seized a new island since 2012, the growth of its military capabilities continues. Analysts suggest that the effectiveness of current deterrence remains uncertain and that the cost of Chinese aggression may not be as high as it was fourteen years ago. To counter these developments, regional states and Western allies face the challenge of imposing significant costs on such aggression and demonstrating collective resolve.