A civilian designation does not settle the military problem. Taiwan's navy, responsible for maritime defence, is preparing its response to Chinese maritime militia.

The approaching vessel gives a naval crew two separate questions: what it is registered as, and what it is doing. A civilian designation answers only the first.

Taiwan News reports the militia preparation. The change begins before any confrontation: crews must include a vessel's possible military purpose in their assessment without treating that purpose as established.

Patrika reports a surge in Chinese ship movements around Taiwan. More traffic puts that distinction under pressure. Each additional vessel demands attention; its designation cannot supply its intent.

If militia vessels can use civilian status to delay a response, the time a crew spends resolving that uncertainty becomes room for the approaching ship to manoeuvre.