A Chinese-owned ship is under investigation for allegedly severing an undersea cable near Taiwan, raising concerns about potential sabotage of crucial global communication infrastructure.
At a Glance
- Taiwanese authorities are investigating a severed undersea telecommunications cable near the island’s northern coast
- A Cameroon-registered cargo ship, Shunxin-39, is suspected of involvement in the incident
- Similar incidents have occurred in Europe, with Chinese-owned ships allegedly cutting cables
- Undersea cables carry about 97% of the world’s communications and are increasingly targeted in “gray zone” conflicts
- NATO is increasing surveillance in response to these threats but faces budget constraints
Suspicious Activity Near Taiwan
Taiwanese authorities have launched an investigation into the severing of an undersea telecommunications cable near the island’s northern coast. The incident has raised alarm bells about potential deliberate sabotage, with suspicion falling on a Cameroon-registered cargo ship named Shunxin-39. MarineTraffic data revealed suspicious ship movements in the area, prompting concerns about the vessel’s involvement.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration located the Shunxin-39 near the damage site but was unable to board the vessel due to rough seas. This development has heightened tensions in the region, with Taiwan’s Kuma Academy describing the incident as an example of “gray zone” tactics – acts of aggression that fall short of outright war.
The incident near Taiwan is not isolated. Similar events have occurred in Europe, with Chinese-owned ships allegedly severing cables in the Baltic Sea. These actions have sparked international concern about the security of global communication infrastructure. Undersea cables are crucial for global communications, carrying approximately 97% of the world’s data traffic.
In the past 18 months, there have been at least 13 incidents of submarine cables being cut, with China and Russia emerging as the primary suspects. These alleged acts of sabotage are linked to geopolitical tensions, with China asserting claims over Taiwan and Russia seeking to destabilize NATO.
Vulnerability and Response
The increasing frequency of these incidents has exposed a significant vulnerability in global communications. Taiwan, in particular, faces the risk of being cut off from global communications and energy supplies due to these threats. The island nation is taking steps to reinforce its communication defenses in response to the growing threat.
NATO is also increasing its surveillance efforts in response to these threats. However, the alliance faces budget constraints that limit its ability to fully address the issue. The situation underscores the need for a coordinated international response to protect this critical infrastructure from potential acts of sabotage.
Mysterious China Vessel cuts Taiwan's undersea cable; lurking suspiciously for a month off Taiwan…
In a disturbing development from Taiwan, the Taiwanese Coast Guard is investigating a potential case of sabotage involving undersea internet cables. These cables, which are… https://t.co/M9EWjrKqiP
— Defense Politics Asia (@DefensePolitics) January 7, 2025
Adding to the concerns, investigations have revealed Chinese patent applications for technology specifically designed to sabotage undersea cables. These include an anchor-shaped cutting device, raising questions about the intentions behind such developments. The discovery of these patents has further fueled suspicions about China’s potential involvement in the recent incidents.
Chinese patents reveal aim to cut undersea cables (https://t.co/BiuYpPwY0D)#China’s undersea cable-cutting devices, patented as early as 2011, are not just tools of technology—they are instruments of global sabotage. Designed to sever the vital communication lifelines of the…
— Svenska Uyghur Kommitten (@SUyghurCommitte) January 10, 2025
As tensions continue to rise and more incidents come to light, the international community faces the challenge of securing these vital communication links. The protection of undersea cables has become a critical issue in maintaining global connectivity and stability in an increasingly interconnected world.