By WENDELL MINNICK
TAIPEI — China’s use of swarming tactics with fishing vessels to project and protect Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea appears unstoppable, experts say.
The latest example in May was the placement of a Chinese oil rig within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, which was protected by more than 70 maritime security and fishing vessels.
“Fishing vessels are wonderful tools for autocratic governments where business and industry are under their control,” said Sam Tangredi, author of the book, “Anti-Access Warfare.”
Sending them in swarms to circle a disputed area of contention or create a barrier to prevent access by other navy or coast guard vessels does not create negative media images like harassment by warships, he said. “It may be made to appear like a spontaneous peaceful protest caused by popular nationalist fervor … almost like ‘nonviolent resistance,’ as if Gandhi was a fisherman.”
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