The Tactics of 'Salami Slicing' in India-China Relations

Understanding ‘Salami Slicing’ in India-China Relations

1. What does ‘salami slicing’ mean?

'Salami slicing' refers to China’s method of advancing territorial claims through a series of small, incremental actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Each action is minor enough to avoid provoking a strong military response individually, but cumulatively, they alter the ground reality in China’s favour.

2. How does China apply salami slicing along the LAC?

China builds infrastructure such as roads and helipads, sends patrols into disputed zones, and deploys troops in a phased manner—often without clear provocation—to gradually assert de facto control over contested territory.

3. Why is salami slicing strategically important for China?

• Avoids escalation: Each move is minor enough to prevent a full-scale conflict.
• Creates new ground realities: These are later leveraged to support China’s claims in negotiations.
• Exploits asymmetry: It capitalizes on India’s cautious approach and international image as a status quo power.

4. Key examples of salami slicing

• Galwan Valley (2020): China’s presence led to a deadly clash and changed deployment status.
• Pangong Tso: Infrastructure development and troop presence shifted the balance in this lake area.
• Doklam (2017): China’s road-building effort in Bhutanese territory highlighted a pattern of creating footholds.

5. How is India responding?

• Military response: Increased troop presence and mirror deployments along the LAC.
• Infrastructure push: Construction of roads, bridges, and airstrips in border areas.
• Diplomacy: Engagement in military talks and dialogues to restore the status quo.

6. Is salami slicing limited to the India-China border?

No. China has applied similar tactics in the South China Sea by constructing artificial islands and militarizing them to assert control over contested maritime zones.

7. Challenges India faces in countering this approach

• Terrain and climate: Harsh Himalayan conditions slow infrastructure development.
• Lack of surprise: India’s reactive posture allows China to set the pace.
• Diplomatic constraints: India must balance firmness with regional stability in relations.

8. Can international cooperation help?

Yes. Strategic partnerships with countries like the U.S., Japan, and Australia, particularly under the QUAD framework, can strengthen India’s border surveillance, technology capabilities, and deterrence posture.