basically says chinese fishermen are military personnels and are legit targets.

Historically the 'maritime militia' was a coastal patrol force to deter TW commando or other maritime infiltration when china lacked good radars and  surveillance technology. Even that crappy article can only quote mostly old speculative figures. Its function  nowadays, if it has any, are obviously minor and lo key. Remind u that china has a full-time coast guard force to replace any part-time 'maritime militia' responsibility