Some observers characterize China’s approach for asserting and defending its territorial claims in the ECS and SCS as a “salami-slicing” strategy that employs a series of incremental actions, none of which by itself is a casus belli, to gradually change the status quo in China’s favour.
It would appear that the deployment of the DF-21D ASBM in association with other developments represents a major shift in power in the Western Pacific and beyond.
The possibility of negotiations towards a strategic arms limitation agreement with China does not seem out of place if this updated document is to be taken at face value.
China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities (6Mb PDF)
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