TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan Institute for National Fundamentals researcher Maki Nakagawa warned on Friday that China’s maritime militia has expanded its capabilities and would play a role in a potential invasion of Taiwan.

Nakagawa said satellite images showed that China’s “Strait Thunder-2025A” military exercise around Taiwan earlier this month included maritime militia vessels, per Sankei Shimbun. She noted the militia, composed of fishing boats, has deepened its cooperation with the military and is now able to participate in joint exercises.

She added that during the drills, China expanded its simulated maritime blockade from ports to sea lanes.

Multiple rocket launchers were also reportedly used for the first time against a mock target representing a Taiwanese liquefied natural gas facility. Nakagawa said the move was intended to “intimidate Taiwanese citizens, warning them that their lives will be disrupted.”

Nakagawa urged the Japanese government to prepare a response in the event of joint operations between the Chinese military and maritime militia. She said Japan must also develop countermeasures in case of a Chinese attack on the Diaoyutai Islands.

Japan has repeatedly emphasized that a Taiwan Strait conflict would also constitute a contingency for Japan.