China's salami slicing operations

Four disturbing incidents occurred in the last two years, all of which destroyed critical global infrastructure. In each case, Chinese "civilian" maritime vessels were involved. China's salami slicing operations are in full swing.

- ANDREW J. MASIGAN

Incident 1. On Feb. 2, 2023, two undersea telecommunications cables were severed within six days of each other off Taiwan's Matsu islands. It was discovered that a Chinese cargo vessel was sailing the area at the precise time of both incidents. The cables were severed by the vessel's anchor, which was dragged on the seabed. On board were seven Chinese nationals.

Incident 2. On Oct. 8, 2023, the gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia was severed. A post-incident investigation by the Finnish authorities revealed that a Chinese vessel, the Newnew Polar Bear, crossed the area at the same moment the pipes were slashed. The pipes were ripped apart by the vessel's anchor which was dragged across the seabed. The Chinese crew refused to cooperate with the investigators. Beijing denied accountability, claiming that the anchors were dropped due to a storm and then dragged by strong winds. Meteorological records showed no storm during the time.

Incident 3. On Nov. 17 and 18, 2024, two undersea fiberoptic communications cables were severed in the Baltic Sea: the C-Lion 1, a 1,200-kilometer cable connecting Helsinki to the German port of Rostock, and the Arelion, a submarine cable which connects Lithuania to the Swedish island of Gotland. Satellite images showed a Chinese civilian cargo vessel, the Yi Peng 31, sailing the area precisely when the cables were severed. The vessels slowed down significantly as it dragged its anchor on the seabed for some 100 nautical miles. The crew purposely switched off its transponder during the anchor drag. NATO vessels surrounded the Yi Peng 31 but the vessel raced to international waters where internal law prevents local authorities from boarding the ship. A month-long standoff ensued.