Taiwanese authorities are investigating the Shunxing 39, a Cameroon-registered freighter suspected of damaging an undersea internet cable northeast of the island. The cable, co-owned by international companies, links Taiwan to the United States, making it a vital component of global internet infrastructure.
The Taiwan Coast Guard briefly detained the vessel last Friday after suspecting it of dragging its anchor over the subsea cable. However, rough weather prevented officials from boarding the ship, which later sailed to Busan, South Korea. Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom reported minimal service disruption as data was promptly rerouted through other cables.
Coast Guard Investigates Possible Sabotage
Taiwan’s Coast Guard is treating the incident as a potential act of sabotage, referencing similar undersea cable damages in Europe. The freighter has since switched off its automatic identification systems (AIS), which broadcast its location and other details. Public marine tracking last showed the vessel in the vicinity of the cable early Friday morning.
The freighter, reportedly owned by a Hong Kong-based company with ties to mainland China, raises further suspicions. Operated by a seven-member Chinese crew, the vessel has alternated between different flags and AIS identities. Records show the ship making short trips in northern Taiwanese waters since early December.
A spokesperson for Taiwan’s Coast Guard noted, “We cannot rule out the possibility of grey-zone harassment by a Chinese flag-of-convenience vessel.” Grey-zone tactics often involve covert or non-military actions to exert influence or create disruption.
Rising Threats to Undersea Cables
The Shunxing 39 incident highlights the fragility of global undersea internet cables, which are critical yet highly vulnerable. Taiwan has experienced multiple undersea cable disruptions over the years. For example, two cables near the Matsu Islands were severed in February 2023, leaving local residents offline for weeks. Chinese vessels were suspected, though no official attribution to Beijing was made.
Taiwan is no stranger to such challenges, as its critical infrastructure has long been a target amidst ongoing tensions with China. Beijing has vowed to annex Taiwan and frequently employs legal, military, and psychological pressure to weaken its resolve.
In light of the incident, Taiwanese authorities convened emergency meetings to review submarine cable protection and response strategies. Experts like Raymond Kuo from the RAND Corporation emphasize the importance of maintaining connectivity for national security and international support. Satellite communications, which are less susceptible to disruption, are being considered as an alternative to undersea cables.
Global Precedents and Strategic Concerns
The Shunxing 39 case mirrors incidents in Europe, such as damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea and Finnish power lines reportedly linked to Russian vessels. These incidents underline the strategic significance of securing submarine cables amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The latest event underscores Taiwan’s need to enhance its critical infrastructure defenses. As global reliance on undersea connectivity grows, safeguarding these lifelines has become an urgent international priority.
