China PLA drone flight over Pratas Island 2026: A New Front in 'Salami-Slicing' Tactics
A PLA surveillance drone has breached Taiwan-claimed airspace over Pratas Island in January 2026. Discover why this 'salami-slicing' move at the Bashi Channel matters.
Beijing's just crossed a significant line in the South China Sea. For the first time, a People's Liberation Army (PLA) surveillance drone entered the territorial airspace of Taiwan-claimed Pratas Island. Analysts say it's the latest escalation in China's 'salami-slicing' strategy, designed to slowly erode Taiwan's sovereignty without triggering an all-out war.
Strategic Impact of China PLA drone Pratas Island Entry
According to Taiwan's defense ministry, the drone breached the 12-nautical-mile (22km) territorial sea baseline last Saturday. This isn't just a routine flight; it's a calculated move to test and wear down Taiwan's military readiness in a highly sensitive zone.
Pratas Island, or Dongsha, sits about 450km southwest of Kaohsiung and 260km from mainland China. It's a critical maritime choke point near the Bashi Channel, which links the South China Sea to the Pacific. Controlling the narrative around this island is vital for any military strategy in the region.
Beijing's Stance: Legitimate Routine Training
The PLA Southern Theatre Command didn't shy away from the incident. They confirmed the deployment, describing the drone's operation as "fully legitimate and lawful routine training." This rhetoric signals that Beijing no longer recognizes Taiwan's claimed territorial boundaries in the area.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
South Africa has launched an inquiry into Iranian participation in the South Africa BRICS naval drills 2026, following reports of military defiance against President Ramaphosa's orders.
Analyzing Donald Trump's 2026 Board of Peace vision for Gaza and Zelenskyy's call for European strategic autonomy. Can economic prosperity disarm Hamas?
President Trump has withdrawn Canada's invitation to the Board of Peace following PM Mark Carney's critical Davos speech. Read about the escalating US-Canada rift.
Venezuela's legislature has passed a bill to loosen state control over its oil industry for the first time since 2007. Explore the impact of the Venezuela oil sector deregulation 2026.
South Africa has launched an inquiry into Iranian participation in the South Africa BRICS naval drills 2026, following reports of military defiance against President Ramaphosa's orders.
Analyzing Donald Trump's 2026 Board of Peace vision for Gaza and Zelenskyy's call for European strategic autonomy. Can economic prosperity disarm Hamas?
President Trump has withdrawn Canada's invitation to the Board of Peace following PM Mark Carney's critical Davos speech. Read about the escalating US-Canada rift.
Venezuela's legislature has passed a bill to loosen state control over its oil industry for the first time since 2007. Explore the impact of the Venezuela oil sector deregulation 2026.