Here is the translation to American English:
A recent incident has raised tensions in the waters near Taiwan, where local authorities have pointed to a ship related to China for allegedly damaging a key submarine cable. Reports indicate that four fibers of a submarine cable operated by Chunghwa Telecom were damaged near Yehliu, in New Taipei City, on January 3, 2025.
The Involved Ship
The vessel in question, identified as Shunxin 39, is registered in Cameroon but has a Chinese name, raising suspicions about its true ownership. The ship was reported to have been docked at the port of Keelung, Taiwan, and allegedly caused the damage while departing for South Korea.
Although Chunghwa Telecom did not specify which of its 12 cables reaching Taiwan was affected, it assured that the incident did not disrupt connectivity, as traffic was rerouted through other cables.
Allegations of Willful Action
Taiwanese media cite a security expert suggesting that the incident was intentional. The ship reportedly belongs to Jie Yang Trading, a company registered in Hong Kong, but its actual owner is said to be a Chinese citizen named Guo Wenjie. Despite the suspicions, the Taiwan Coast Guard could not confirm if the ship is indeed of Chinese ownership.
Due to inclement weather, authorities were unable to board the vessel for investigation or to stop it, and it proceeded on its journey to South Korea.
A Pattern of Similar Incidents
This case is not an isolated event. In late 2024, the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 was implicated in damaging submarine cables in the Baltic Sea between Helsinki and Rostock. In another incident, in October 2023, the vessel Newnew Polar Bear was accused of damaging submarine cables and a gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia.
Defense analysts have warned that these actions may be part of a strategy of “grey warfare”, in which civilian ships under flags of convenience are employed to attack critical infrastructure without escalating to open conflict.
Strategic Implications
Submarine cables are vital infrastructure for global telecommunications, and any disruption can have devastating effects on connectivity and the economy. In Taiwan’s case, given its geopolitical position, these incidents are particularly sensitive and could be interpreted as an escalation in China’s pressure tactics on the island.
Meanwhile, the incident raises questions about the security measures surrounding these critical infrastructures and the ability of local authorities to respond to such events in a complex maritime environment.
The damage to the submarine cable near Taiwan is the latest in a series of suspicious incidents involving ships linked to China. These events highlight the importance of strengthening maritime security and underscore the critical role of submarine cables in global communications. As investigations continue, the international community will closely monitor how these tensions unfold in a region of growing strategic importance.
via: Taiwan English News