Mains issueGS-2News & Analysis24 October 2026

China's Grey-Zone Operations and Regional Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific

An aspirant should be able to analyze how China's 'grey-zone' tactics, particularly through its maritime militia, challenge regional security and the international maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, and discuss the implications for affected states and global geopolitics.

Source: thehindu.comOriginal report

Understand the issue · 1/2

Why now

Recent sightings of Chinese maritime militia vessels alongside Coast Guard ships near Taiwan's Pacific coast highlight China's expanding 'battlefield preparation' and 'grey-zone' tactics. This development raises significant concerns about regional stability and the international maritime order, making it a critical issue for UPSC Mains.

Core issue

China is employing 'grey-zone' tactics, combining maritime militia vessels with Coast Guard ships, to expand its 'battlefield preparation' around Taiwan and into the western Pacific. Taiwan views these operations as a precursor to a potential maritime blockade, increasing security pressure on Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, and challenging the existing international maritime order. China maintains its operations are legitimate within its claimed waters.

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