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Navigating Grey Zones: The Seen & Unseen Battle in the South China Sea

 By Commandant R K Singh

3 minutes read

Navigating Grey Zones: The Seen & Unseen Battle in the South China Sea

 By Commandant R K Singh

3 minutes read

On June 19, 2024, the South China Sea witnessed heightened tensions as the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) clashed with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) near Ayungin Shoal. The CCG obstructed a humanitarian mission to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy vessel, using aggressive tactics. Despite provocations, Filipino troops displayed bravery and professionalism, upholding international law and maintaining peace.

The Height of Hostility:
The CCG tied ropes to the AFP’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and threatened a Filipino soldier, disrupting communication and causing damage. Filipino soldiers defended themselves against Chinese personnel armed with swords and knives. General Romeo Brawner condemned the incident, noting the ongoing grey zone tensions.

Understanding Grey Zone Warfare:
Grey zone warfare involves actions between open conflict and peace, using covert and overt tactics like economic manipulation and disinformation campaigns. Experts Clementine G. Starling and Robert J. Giesler emphasize these tactics as part of great-power competition.

China’s Grey Zone Tactics in the Maritime Domain:
China blurs civilian and military operations, leveraging a deniable Maritime Militia, Coast Guard, and dual-use research vessels to pursue territorial ambitions with minimal risk of military confrontation.

The Maritime Militia: A Covert Sea Force:
The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) supports China’s claims through surveillance, blockades, and harassment while maintaining plausible deniability.

Documented Incidents:
USNS Impeccable Incident (2009) Chinese vessels surrounded the USNS Impeccable.
Second Thomas Shoal The CCG and Maritime Militia blocked and harassed Philippine vessels resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre.
Scarborough Shoal Chinese vessels harassed Philippine fishing boats.

Dual-Use Research Vessels:
These vessels conduct scientific research while gathering data to support China’s maritime operations.

Documented Incidents:
Haiyang Dizhi 4 Hao Incident (June 17, 2024)Entered the Philippines’ EEZ for surveys.
Xiang Yang Hong 06 (2019-2020) Released underwater gliders in the Indian Ocean.
Hai Yang Shi You 760 (2023) Mapped the ocean bed in Bangladesh’s EEZ. Shiyan 06 (October 2023) Conducted surveys along Sri Lanka’s coast.

The Coast Guard: Overt Aggression and Intimidation:
The CCG engages in aggressive acts to assert control over disputed waters.

Documented Incidents:
Second Thomas Shoal The CCG blocked and harassed Philippine vessels.
Scarborough Shoal The CCG harassed Philippine fishing boats with water cannons and blockades.

Regional Tensions & China’s Hegemonic Ambitions:
China’s actions in the South China Sea have led to disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

The Nine-Dash Line:
China’s contested claim over the South China Sea, depicted by the nine-dash line, remains a point of contention despite being rejected by the International Court of Justice.

Disputes:
Philippines Crises over the Scarborough Shoal.
VietnamContested Paracel Islands.
Indonesia Claims over the Natuna Archipelago.
Malaysia and Brunei Disputes over resource-rich areas.
Taiwan is Critical to regional dynamics due to China’s view of Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Escalating Aggression:
China’s actions raise concerns about freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

Examples:
Harassment of Philippine Vessels Blocking resupply and fishing activities.
Militarisation of Artificial Islands Constructing and arming islands in disputed territories.
Illegal Fishing and Resource Exploitation Operating within the EEZs of Vietnam and Indonesia.
Aggression Towards Malaysia and Taiwan Harassing exploration activities and conducting military drills near Taiwan.

Maintaining Vigilance & Peace in the Region:
China’s tactics in the South China Sea challenge regional stability and international maritime law. Enhancing naval cooperation, promoting transparency, and maintaining vigilance are essential. Understanding and countering grey zone warfare through persistent engagement, increased maritime security training, and enhanced inter-regional collaboration are vital for ensuring regional peace and stability.

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About the Author

The author is a veteran commandant of the Indian Coast Guard with over three decades of active service, including command of sea and shore billets. The officer handled media and communication at the Coast Guard headquarters until retiring in 2023.

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