Taiwan’s coast guard has detained a Chinese-linked cargo ship and its captain after an undersea cable to the Penghu Islands, located in the Taiwan Strait, was severed. The incident has sparked concerns as it follows a pattern of activities that Taiwan attributes to China, designed to exert pressure without direct confrontation.
On Tuesday, Taiwan authorities confirmed that they had detained the Hong Tai 58, a ship flagged under Togo but crewed entirely by Chinese nationals. The vessel was found anchored near the damaged cable, which serves as a crucial communication link to the Penghu Islands. Taiwan has also announced the detention of the ship’s captain, who is suspected of being involved in the severing of the cable.
Taiwan’s response to Chinese-linked vessel activity
The disruption of the undersea cable occurred during a period of heightened vigilance in Taiwan due to ongoing concerns over Chinese activities in the region. Despite the severed cable, Taiwan’s digital ministry reassured the public that communication was maintained by redirecting services to other available cables.
To address the situation, the Taiwan Coast Guard deployed three vessels to detain the Hong Tai 58. The ship’s actions—anchoring near the cable and failing to respond to repeated coast guard calls—have raised suspicions of possible grey-zone activities, intended to pressure Taiwan indirectly.
Taiwan’s growing concerns over maritime security
This incident adds to a growing number of reported undersea cable disruptions in Taiwan this year. According to Taiwan’s digital ministry, five such incidents have been recorded in 2025, a notable increase compared to previous years. These undersea cables are vital to Taiwan’s communication with other offshore islands, and repeated malfunctions have raised concerns about Taiwan’s vulnerability to non-traditional methods of interference.
In 2023, two undersea cables connecting the Matsu Islands were also damaged, with Taiwan attributing the disruptions to Chinese vessels. However, no definitive evidence has been found to confirm deliberate tampering by Beijing.
