On January 8, 2023, Taiwan’s government expressed concern over the possible involvement of a Chinese-registered vessel in the damage of an undersea communications cable off its northern coast. The incident was reported by Chunghwa Telecom on January 3, prompting Taiwan’s coast guard to investigate. They discovered the “Shunxin 39,” a ship tied to Hong Kong’s Jie Yang Trading but registered in Cameroon and Tanzania, at the scene. However, the coast guard could not immediately board the vessel due to adverse weather.
The coast guard noted that while they were unable to ascertain the ship’s true intentions, they did not rule out the possibility of its involvement in “grey zone” activities—actions designed to exert pressure on Taiwan without direct military confrontation. Taiwan’s digital ministry reported that the damage did not affect communication services, as backup systems activated seamlessly.
Guo Wenjie, director of Jie Yang Trading, denied that his ship was responsible for the cable damage, stating to Reuters, “There’s no evidence at all.” He described the voyage as routine and helped clarify that communications with the ship’s captain were normal. The coast guard did not detain the vessel following these exchanges, despite reports indicating it had lingered off Taiwan’s coast since early December.
In response to the allegations, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office described the cable damage as a common maritime accident, noting over 100 such incidents occur globally each year. They suggested Taiwan’s concerns were exaggerated and unfounded, emphasizing that the mainland does not pose a direct threat.
The incident triggered alarm among Taiwan’s security officials, who plan to brief local diplomats about the potential ramifications. A senior official indicated that incidents affecting undersea cables could have broader implications for international communications. This concern is heightened due to previous disruptions involving Chinese vessels, which have caused communication blackouts for Taiwan’s outlying islands.
In light of escalating tensions and potential threats to its communications infrastructure, Taiwan has been enhancing its crisis response measures, including alternative communication methods such as satellite technology. This preparation stems from fears of increased Chinese aggression, particularly given the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent reports of similar incidents in nearby regions.
As tensions continue to rise between Taiwan and China, the issues surrounding maritime safety and undersea communication vulnerabilities remain a focal point for Taiwanese officials, who are acutely aware of the potential impact on national security and international relationships.
