laststandonzombieisland

Rand has an interesting 157-page report, Understanding and Countering China’s Maritime Gray Zone Operations, currently available online for your reading pleasure.

From the report:

China’s gray zone operations involve layering different forces, including the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), China Coast Guard (CCG), and People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM), to overwhelm opponents and make U.S. or allied responses difficult. China also adopts approaches like gradual escalation to slowly advance its interests and avoid triggering a strong response.

China employs various tactics to achieve its goals in the gray zone, including violating territorial airspace and EEZs, harassment, illegal fishing, and ramming. The PAFMM is a crucial tool in China’s gray zone arsenal. These militia vessels are civilian-looking but can be used for military purposes. Their ambiguity makes it difficult for other countries to respond forcefully. The CCG is another essential tool, with a growing fleet of heavily armed and capable ships. CCG assets can be used to intimidate rivals and enforce China’s territorial claims without resorting to military force. The PLAN is less frequently involved in gray zone operations but serves as a backup if the situation escalates.

Download here.