South China Sea: China's hidden fleet – Beijing has navy it says doesn't exist

Despite these denials, there is little doubt in Western governments that the militia does exist.

The Pentagon refers to it as the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM).

Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, told CNN: “The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia don’t fish.

“They have automatic weapons aboard and reinforced hulls, making them very dangerous at close range.

“Also, they have a top speed of around 18-22 knots, making them faster than 90 percent of the world’s fishing boats.”