China escalates maritime patrols and seabed mapping east of Taiwan

China has intensified maritime operations east of Taiwan, sending civilian law enforcement vessels through the Bashi Channel for the first time to conduct patrols and seabed mapping, in what analysts describe as a new phase of its 'salami-slicing' strategy. These moves mark Beijing's first known sovereignty patrol beyond the First Island Chain, a strategic line of control in the western Pacific Source: CNN.

Salami-slicing in the Pacific

Beijing's gradual escalation includes three Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) vessels sailing through the Bashi Channel to assert jurisdiction east of Taiwan Source: Infobae. Key actions:

• Seabed mapping east of Taiwan, described by a semi-official Chinese account as establishing the area as 'nearshore waters' Source: CNN.
• Scarborough Shoal incident: satellite images detected a floating structure towed into the disputed lagoon, prompting protests from Manila Source: Infobae.
• Analysts warn these steps stay below the threshold of open conflict while expanding control Source: CNN.

Taiwan in focus

The operations follow a Beijing visit by US President Donald Trump, during which Chinese leader Xi Jinping made clear that Taiwan is the issue most likely to derail US-China relations Source: CNN. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te noted the mission's intent is clear: Beijing aims to assert authority over waters east of the island . China's state-run Global Times called the patrols 'a sovereignty declaration with both legal significance and political signaling' .