Taiwan’s investigation into damage to an undersea communications cable escalated tensions with China, as a Chinese-registered vessel became a key suspect.
The cable damage occurred on 3 January. The incident was first reported by Taiwanese telecommunications provider Chunghwa Telecom, prompting the coastguard to launch the investigation.
The suspect vessel, the Shunxin 39, registered in both Cameroon and Tanzania, was found close to where the cable was laid. The coastguard said it could not rule out Beijing’s involvement but failed to provide strong evidence linking the vessel to the cable damage.
Guo Wenjie, director of Hong Kong-based Jie Yang Trading, which owned the vessel, confirmed it was in the vicinity but insisted it had nothing to do with the cable issue.
Although Taiwanese officials emphasised that communications were not affected, the incident raised alarm, especially given the vulnerability of undersea cables in the region. Taiwan’s security services warned that cable disruptions could carry broader global repercussions.
Taiwan has begun exploring alternative means of communication, such as satellite systems, to mitigate potential threats after similar incidents in 2023 near the Matsu Islands. The dispute highlights growing tensions between Taiwan and China as Beijing continues to claim the island.
