But this is indeed a pinprick, their provocation on military and political front doesn't really mean much. Their organizations like NATO and EU is proven to be nothing but a way to compromise the economic and military sovereignty or security of its members, its just a way to gain influence in those countries, they didn't dare run into a direct conflict with Russia, and is yet to be successful at destroying Russia economically or politically.
In the end, the greatest threat to China comes from within, as long as the leadership is competent, passing sound policies, guiding the economy properly and maintaining domestic stability, they should be able to weather the turbulence in this decade. I do think the leadership is wise enough to know what provocation to react to and the proportionate response to it. Besides, all these salami-slicing would be all overturned, if it really comes down to an armed reunification.