Approximately 1,400 Chinese fishing vessels formed a 321-kilometer strip near the Japan-China median line in the East China Sea on January 11, 2026, according to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data analysis by The New York Times reported in an X post shared early on February 1, 2026. Up to 2,000 vessels created an L-shaped 466-kilometer formation there in late December 2025. These band-like and rectangular groupings persisted for dozens of hours, forcing some merchant ships to detour. The New York Times analysis, cited in the X post by @AkiyoshiKawash1, described the gatherings as distinct from normal fishing operations. Gregory Poling of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, analyzing satellite data, stated they do not appear to be fishing and offered no explanation other than state direction. The formations coincided with Chinese military exercises around Taiwan. Maritime and security experts identified the vessels as part of China's maritime militia conducting gray zone pressure tactics, using fishing boats to avoid direct military confrontation. South Korea's Chosun Ilbo reported on the phenomenon on January 17, 2026, following the initial New York Times article on January 16. The East China Sea hosts critical shipping routes for Japan-bound imports and intra-Asian transport. While current gatherings have not blocked routes, continued normalization could lead shippers to factor in delay risks for inventory and procurement planning.
