China has long been accused of advancing its territorial claims in the Pacific through a strategy known as ‘salami-slicing,’ taking small steps to assert its control over areas where its claims to sovereignty under international law are unclear. Recently, China’s ships have carried out ‘law enforcement’ activities farther from its mainland than ever before, mapped a highly sensitive seabed, and conducted ‘research’ inside a highly contested lagoon more than 500 miles from its shores.

China’s Maritime Maneuvers

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

Three vessels from China’s Maritime Safety Agency (MSA), a civilian law enforcement organization, 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.

International Response

Foreign powers with interests in Taiwan are taking notice of China’s actions. The US State Department has expressed concern over reports that Chinese Coast Guard vessels were harassing commercial ships. Britain, France, and Germany have also 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: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.