Suspected Cable Cutting Incident Near Taiwan

Taiwanese authorities have detained a cargo ship crewed by Chinese nationals, suspected of severing the undersea communications cable Taiwan-Penghu-Kinmen-Matsu No. 3.

Suspected Cable Cutting Incident Near Taiwan

Taiwanese authorities have detained a cargo ship crewed by Chinese nationals, suspected of severing the undersea communications cable Taiwan-Penghu-Kinmen-Matsu No. 3, which connects Taiwan to the Penghu Islands. The ship, identified as Hong Tai 58, was reportedly the only vessel in the area at the time, according to coast guard radar records.

Key Details:

• Cable Affected: Taiwan-Penghu-Kinmen-Matsu No. 3 subsea communications cable.
• Location: Approximately 30 miles west of Taiwan’s main island.
• Suspect Vessel: Chinese-funded cargo ship Hong Tai 58, operating under multiple names.
• Investigation: Taiwan’s Coast Guard is probing whether the severing was accidental or deliberate. The case has been sent to prosecutors for further inquiries.

Background:

• Recent Incidents: This is part of a growing pattern of disruptions. In January and February alone, four separate cable incidents have been reported around Taiwan.
• Security Concerns: Authorities suspect that commercial ships may be used to deliberately target critical infrastructure. This echoes recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, where a Chinese-flagged vessel was investigated for cutting subsea cables.
• Government Response: Taiwan has increased surveillance of its subsea cables. The detained ship had been under coast guard watch before the incident due to its movements near sensitive infrastructure.

Contextual Importance:

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities considering possible sabotage amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. Submarine cables are critical for global communication and data transmission, making them a key target in hybrid warfare strategies. Taiwan’s efforts to enhance surveillance and protect these vital assets reflect broader concerns about safeguarding critical infrastructure in contested maritime zones.

Source:

多哥籍「宏泰」貨輪疑似拖斷臺澎第三海纜 海巡署超前部署押返安平港深入偵辦, Taiwan Coast Guard | Image: Taiwan Coast Guard