This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows Chinese vessels in the Whitsun Reef located in the disputed South China Sea. Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
Hong Kong (CNN)They've been dubbed China's "Little Blue Men," an allegedly Beijing-controlled maritime militia that analysts say could be hundreds of boats and thousands of crew members strong.
China doesn't acknowledge their existence and when questioned, refers to them as a "so-called maritime militia."
But Western experts say the alleged militia is an integral part of Beijing's efforts to exert its territorial claims in the South China Sea and beyond.
They claim its blue-painted vessels and their crews -- allegedly funded and controlled by the People's Liberation Army -- can quickly bring a Chinese presence so large around disputed reefs and islands they are almost impossible to challenge without triggering a military confrontation.
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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- April 13, 2021
PLA carrier enters S.China Sea after American flattop exercise amid Taiwan tensions -- Global Times
PLA carrier, warplanes surround Taiwan in drills, in show of capability to cut off foreign intervention -- Global Times
As the US Navy scrambles to field more missiles in Asia, a tough decision looms for aging cruisers -- Defense News
China push for global power tops U.S. security threats: intelligence report -- Reuters
Intel assessment warns of increasing threats from China, Russia -- The Hill
U.S. intelligence warns of "diverse array" of global threats in annual assessment -- CBS
Biden sparks bipartisan backlash on Afghanistan withdrawal -- The Hill
Personnel spending cuts won’t help military readiness, key lawmaker warns -- Military Times
Boeing delivers only two KC-46A tankers in Q1 2021 -- Flight Global
Electronic Warfare Apps On Horizon For F-15s, Plus -- Breaking Defense
Lockheed Martin’s new tactical satellites provide global, persistent support for warfighters -- Defence-Blog
Do we need a Space National Guard? Colorado says yes, but Congress is not so sure. -- Air Force Times
US Navy Mark VI Patrol Boats Receive Reprieve -- Naval News
Marines to begin testing, evaluating new physical training uniforms -- UPI
Marine Corps commandant to testify before Congress on training fatalities -- UPI
Armed Services chairman knocks White House for 'dragging their feet' on budget request -- The Hill
Navy, Marines investigated 13 white supremacy cases, held no court-martials: USA Today -- The Hill
Austin announces increase to US military presence in Germany -- CNN
Pentagon chief: US sending 500 more troops to Germany -- The Hill
BREAKING New Army Long-Range Units Head To Germany -- Breaking Defense
US Aiding Saudi Defenses While Revitalizing Diplomacy to End Yemen Conflict, Pentagon Says -- Sputnik
EUCOM chief thinks Ukraine could hold Russia off; NATO worried about buildup -- UPI
NATO foreign, defence ministers to hold video meeting, diplomats say -- Reuters
MiG-35 fighter to have smart system of target recognition -- TASS
NATO concentrating over 40,000 troops near Russian border -- TASS
Budget of Russia’s new state arms procurement program to be over 21 trillion rubles -- TASS
Ukraine Turns To West For Fighters; Plans To Drop MiG Fleet -- Breaking Defense
Italian military chief envisions the Tempest fighter zapping missiles -- Defense News
Iranian General Says Air Defence Capabilities Make Country’s Air Borders Most Secure in Region -- Sputnik
Israelis May Ban High Tech Cars From Bases: ‘Perfect Espionage Vector’ -- Breaking Defense
Taiwan Launches New 10,000-ton Missile-Wielding Amphibious Transport Ship -- Sputnik
Report: North Korea may have almost 250 nuclear weapons by 2027 -- UPI
