China has been accused of ‘salami-slicing’ to advance its territorial claims in the Pacific, taking small steps to assert its control over areas where its claims to sovereignty under international law are unclear at best – and illegal at worst.

Recent Maritime Maneuvers

Recently, three vessels from China’s Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) sailed through the Bashi Channel between the Philippines and Taiwan to begin law enforcement and mapping activities in waters east of Taiwan. This is the first time MSA vessels have been observed east of the ‘First Island Chain’ that stretches from southern Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines.

Analysts say the latest moves are an attempt to advance China’s presence beyond an island chain seen by Beijing and Washington as a critical line of control in the western Pacific. They add that these moves could be particularly worrying for Taiwan, the self-ruled island China has vowed to ‘reunify’ with one day – by force if necessary.

Implications for Taiwan and the Region

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said the reasons behind the MSA mission were clear: ‘Their real objective is to expand.’ A Taiwanese security official said Beijing was using the MSA ships to try to create a false impression that it has de facto jurisdiction over Taiwan.

China’s actions have been met with concern from foreign powers with interests in Taiwan. The US State Department, as well as Britain, France, and Germany, have expressed concern over ‘novel Chinese activity in the waters east of Taiwan,’ stating that these actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.