Salami Slicing: How China Is Expanding Control in the Pacific
Salami slicing – Within weeks, China’s naval presence has ventured farther from its mainland than ever before, with ships engaging in “law enforcement” operations and mapping sensitive seabed areas. These actions have taken place in waters over 500 miles from Chinese shores, including a contested lagoon where Beijing asserts sovereignty claims. Analysts note that this gradual approach—often termed “salami-slicing”—aims to strengthen China’s territorial influence without crossing into open conflict.
Strategic Moves Beyond the First Island Chain
Recent maneuvers by China’s Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) vessels have drawn attention, particularly their passage through the Bashi Channel between the Philippines and Taiwan. This marked the first time MSA ships were observed operating east of the “First Island Chain,” a key geographic barrier stretching from southern Japan to Borneo. The shift signals Beijing’s intent to assert jurisdiction in areas where its claims are disputed.
“This is the first time we’ve seen them make some kind of a sovereignty patrol outside of the 9-Dash/10-Dash Line,” said Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project at Stanford University. “Beijing is essentially saying we have jurisdiction over this area on the other side of the First Island Chain. That’s pretty significant.”
The expansion of the 9-Dash Line to include a 10th dash in 2023 further underscores this strategy. By adding a segment east of Taiwan, China has solidified its claim over waters that were previously contested. While the People’s Liberation Army Navy has conducted exercises in these regions, analysts argue that non-military vessels like the MSA may pose a longer-term threat to the status quo.
Political Signaling and Sovereignty Claims
China’s state-run Global Times described the MSA’s actions as a “sovereignty declaration” with both legal and political implications. The move is seen as a deliberate effort to challenge international assertions that China lacks authority in these waters. A semi-official social media account, Yuyuan Tantian, emphasized the significance of the mapping effort, stating it demonstrated China’s capability to project control.
“The waters east of Taiwan Island will constitute our ‘nearshore waters’ — the very waters where we maintain a presence and exercise jurisdiction and governance,” the account claimed.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te criticized the mission, calling it a clear attempt to expand Beijing’s influence. A Taiwanese security official suggested the MSA ships are being used to create an illusion of de facto control over the island. Lai highlighted that China continuously innovates methods to challenge Taiwan’s sovereignty and destabilize the Indo-Pacific region.
These actions come amid diplomatic tensions, following US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. While the trip was marked by friendly exchanges, Xi Jinping underscored Taiwan as the critical issue that could disrupt US-China relations. The recent MSA deployment is viewed as a calculated move to reinforce China’s position in the region, with implications for Taiwan’s security and autonomy.
