China's gray zone actions in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea: A comparative study and impact on fisheries
Wei‐Chung Chen, Ching-Hsiewn Ou, Ming-Hao Yang, Yi-Che Shih
Abstract
China's use of the "gray zone" strategy in the East Asia region, employing coast guard, naval forces, and maritime militia, has drawn attention for its non-military tactics that escalate conflict without crossing into open warfare . This study examines China's gray zone actions in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea, focusing on their impact on fisheries in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. This study reveals that China's gray zone actions significantly affect fisheries in the East Asia region, leading to reduced fishing space and declining catch volumes. Furthermore, China adapts its strategies across maritime regions based on regional capabilities to effectively allocate maritime power to different areas. This adaptive approach allows China to tailor its actions to specific contexts within the region.