
A Chinese-linked ship is suspected of sabotaging undersea cables near Taiwan, raising global concerns about the vulnerability of critical communication infrastructure.
We thought it was Russia!
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
- The incident is part of a broader pattern of suspected Chinese and Russian interference with undersea cables
- Undersea cables carry approximately 97% of the world’s communications
- NATO is increasing surveillance but faces budget constraints in protecting these critical assets
Suspected Sabotage 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 sparked concerns of deliberate sabotage, with suspicion falling on a Cameroon-registered cargo ship named Shunxin-39. MarineTraffic data revealed suspicious ship movements in the area, further fueling speculation about intentional damage.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration located the Shunxin-39 near the damage site but was unable to board due to rough seas. The incident has been described by Taiwan’s Kuma Academy as an example of “gray zone” tactics, which are acts of aggression that fall short of outright war.
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
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 incidents highlight the growing vulnerability of undersea cables, which are crucial for global communications, carrying about 97% of the world’s data traffic.
“This is not an isolated event,” Marco Ho Cheng-hui said.
In the past 18 months, there have been at least 13 incidents of submarine cables being cut, with China and Russia being the primary suspects. These actions are believed to be linked to geopolitical tensions, with China asserting claims over Taiwan and Russia attempting to destabilize NATO.
Strategic Importance and Vulnerabilities
The strategic importance of undersea cables cannot be overstated. They serve as the backbone for global connectivity, facilitating not only internet traffic but also energy flow between continents. However, their growing association with “gray zone” warfare has rendered them increasingly vulnerable.
Taiwan, in particular, is vulnerable to being cut off from global communications and energy supplies due to these threats. The island nation has taken steps to bolster its security measures, but the challenge remains significant given the vast expanse of ocean that needs to be monitored.
NATO is increasing surveillance in response to these threats but faces budget constraints in implementing comprehensive protection strategies. The alliance is exploring enhanced methods for maritime protection, recognizing the critical nature of these undersea assets.
Investigations have revealed Chinese patent applications for technology specifically designed to sabotage undersea cables, including an anchor-shaped cutting device. This development has heightened concerns about the deliberate nature of these incidents and the potential for future attacks.
As global tensions continue to rise, the protection of undersea cables has become a pressing international security concern. The challenge lies in developing effective strategies to safeguard these critical communication channels while navigating complex geopolitical waters.
What is China trying to achieve here? To cut off global communications?