‘Salami slicing’: How China is trying to increase control in the Pacific

‘Salami Slicing’: How China is Expanding Influence in the Pacific

Salami slicing – In recent weeks, China has intensified its maritime presence by deploying vessels to conduct operations farther from its mainland than previously recorded. These activities include seabed mapping in sensitive zones and exploratory missions within a disputed lagoon located over 500 miles from its shores. Such actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate control in the Pacific, where China’s claims to sovereignty are often contested.

Strategic Maneuvers and Territorial Ambitions

Analysts suggest that China’s recent moves reflect a methodical approach to advancing its territorial ambitions, often described as “salami-slicing.” This tactic involves incremental steps that avoid direct conflict while gradually strengthening claims in areas where legal certainty is questionable. By operating just below the threshold of open warfare, Beijing aims to assert dominance without provoking immediate retaliation. The latest operations, however, mark a significant escalation in its efforts to extend influence beyond established maritime boundaries.

The recent maneuvers by China’s Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) have drawn attention for their proximity to Taiwan. The agency’s vessels sailed through the Bashi Channel, a strategic waterway between the Philippines and Taiwan, to begin activities in waters east of the island. This marks a departure from prior patterns, as the MSA has typically focused on domestic enforcement rather than international waters. Observers note that this move could signal a shift in how China enforces its claims in the region.

Analysts Highlight the Significance of the First Island Chain

Experts have labeled the Bashi Channel mission the “Bashi Breakout,” emphasizing its strategic importance. Ray Powell, a researcher at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center, stated that Beijing’s actions imply a claim over areas beyond the First Island Chain, a geographical line stretching from southern Japan through the Philippines and into the South China Sea. “This is a pivotal moment,” Powell told CNN. “It shows China’s intent to control the waters east of Taiwan, which are critical for regional stability.”

The First Island Chain is viewed as a vital barrier by both Beijing and Washington, with the latter often citing it as a key element in containing Chinese influence. By moving into these waters, China is not only challenging existing boundaries but also projecting power in a region where its legal claims are widely disputed. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that the 9-Dash Line, China’s expansive maritime boundary in the South China Sea, lacks legal foundation. Yet, Beijing continues to assert its authority through persistent activity.

Political Messaging and Regional Tensions

China’s state-run Global Times framed the MSA’s operations as a “sovereignty declaration” with both legal and political weight. The publication argued that the mission reinforces Beijing’s authority over the Pacific, particularly in areas near Taiwan. Through its semi-official social media account Yuyuan Tantian, China countered foreign skepticism about its maritime capabilities by asserting that the MSA had “mapped the seabed east of Taiwan for the first time.” This move was intended to counter narratives that China lacks the ability to govern these waters effectively.

“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 Yuyuan Tantian post stated.

Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, has expressed concern over Beijing’s increasing assertiveness. “Their real objective is to expand,” he remarked, highlighting the need for vigilance against China’s persistent efforts to claim more territory. A Taiwanese security official added that the MSA’s presence creates a perception of de facto control, which could be used to pressure Taiwan into submission. “This is a calculated move to establish dominance,” the official said, noting that Beijing’s tactics are evolving to include non-military vessels.

A New Phase in Territorial Claims

China’s expansion of its maritime claims is not a new phenomenon. In 2023, it revised the 9-Dash Line to include an additional boundary, extending its reach eastward. This adjustment has been accompanied by increased activity in the region, with the MSA playing a central role. Unlike military operations, which can be met with immediate opposition, the MSA’s presence is designed to be more subtle, creating a sense of routine while gradually building a legal and political foundation for its claims.

While the People’s Liberation Army Navy has conducted exercises near Taiwan in the past, analysts argue that the MSA’s role in the Pacific could be more impactful in the long term. “These non-military vessels are the quiet enforcers of China’s ambitions,” said one expert, explaining that their activities blend legal authority with strategic pressure. By positioning itself as the region’s governing authority, China aims to reduce the likelihood of kinetic conflict while solidifying its grip on disputed areas.

Implications for the Indo-Pacific

The MSA’s activities have broader implications beyond Taiwan. By asserting control over the eastern Pacific, Beijing is challenging the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, a region already fraught with geopolitical tensions. Analysts warn that such incremental actions could eventually lead to more confrontational scenarios, especially if Taiwan remains isolated. “China’s threats towards Taiwan know no limits,” Lai Ching-te told reporters, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Recent developments also highlight the importance of international relations in shaping China’s strategy. The visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing, which was marked by friendly interactions, underscored the potential for a new phase in U.S.-China diplomacy. However, Xi Jinping used the opportunity to stress that Taiwan remains the most critical issue affecting bilateral relations. This dual approach — diplomacy and territorial expansion — reflects Beijing’s broader goal of securing its interests while maintaining a facade of cooperation.

As China continues to push its maritime boundaries, the Indo-Pacific countries face an uncertain future. The MSA’s role in this strategy is growing, and its ability to enforce presence without direct confrontation may prove more effective than traditional military operations. With each step, China is laying the groundwork for a future where its influence in the region is undeniable, and its claims to sovereignty are seen as the norm rather than the exception.