Taipei, May 16 -- China is intensifying its presence across contested waters in Asia by deploying large fleets of fishing vessels, coast guard ships and maritime militia units as part of a broader strategy to strengthen control without provoking direct military confrontation, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and cited by Taiwan News.

According to Taiwan News, nearly 200 Chinese fishing boats recently advanced deeper into the Yellow Sea, moving closer to waters jointly claimed by China and South Korea.

Data collected by geospatial intelligence company Ingenispace revealed unusually dense vessel activity along critical shipping routes and disputed maritime zones. Analysts stated that Beijing is increasingly relying on civilian fishi...