Taiwanese authorities have accused a China-linked vessel of damaging a submarine cable near Keelung, Taiwan, on January 3, 2025.
The cargo ship Shunxing 39, registered in Cameroon but allegedly owned by a Chinese national, is suspected of dragging its anchor and severing the cable. Chunghwa Telecom, the cable’s operator, reported minimal disruption due to redundancy measures. Investigations by Taiwan’s Coast Guard were delayed by adverse weather, and the vessel is now heading to Busan, South Korea, where Taiwanese authorities have requested assistance.
Expert Analysis:
This incident highlights the susceptibility of undersea communication cables to physical disruption, especially in contested regions. The alleged involvement of a vessel linked to China raises concerns about intentional interference, consistent with “gray zone” strategies designed to destabilize without direct conflict.
Given Taiwan’s critical reliance on undersea cables for internet connectivity, even minor disruptions could serve as a test of response capabilities. Enhanced international frameworks for monitoring and protecting these assets are urgently needed, as reliance on national enforcement alone leaves such critical infrastructure exposed to geopolitical risk.
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