Taiwanese authorities have reported an incident where a China-linked ship entered its waters and damaged a submarine cable, causing concerns about potential deliberate actions and grey zone warfare tactics. The vessel in question, Shunxing 39, was said to have caused damage to a cable operated by Taiwanese carrier Chungwa Telecom as it sailed towards South Korea, although only four fibers were affected and connectivity was not disrupted due to redundancy plans in place.
According to local media reports, a security expert in Taiwan believes that the incident was intentional, pointing towards the possibility that the true owner of the ship is a Chinese national. Taiwanese coast guard sources have also hinted at this theory, adding to the speculation surrounding the incident. Despite attempts by local port authorities to speak with the officers of Shunxing 39, the vessel could not be intercepted in heavy seas, leading Taiwan to seek assistance from South Korean authorities as the cargo ship headed towards South Korea.
This incident is reminiscent of a previous allegation in November 2024, where a Chinese vessel was accused of purposefully cutting submarine cables in the Baltic Sea. The practice of grey zone warfare, which involves causing harm to geopolitical rivals in ways that are difficult to attribute directly to a specific state, has raised concerns about the security of essential digital infrastructure such as submarine cables. These cables, which serve as vital data arteries, are susceptible to attacks that can disrupt data flows and impact nations’ communication systems.
The difficulty in determining the true ownership and intentions of vessels involved in such incidents adds to the challenge of holding responsible parties accountable. In the case of Shunxing 39, conflicting information about its registration and ownership further complicates efforts to establish a clear picture of the situation. However, the overarching context of China’s territorial claims over Taiwan and its military posturing in the region adds a layer of complexity to the incident.
Taiwan’s strategic significance as the home of chipmaker TSMC, a leading player in semiconductor technology, has also attracted international attention. The fear of potential disruptions to the semiconductor supply chain, which is crucial for various technological industries including artificial intelligence, underscores the geopolitical implications of tensions in the region. With the USA and other nations closely monitoring developments in the Taiwan Strait, any disruption to critical infrastructure like submarine cables can have far-reaching consequences.
In conclusion, the recent incident involving the damage to a submarine cable in Taiwanese waters by a China-linked ship highlights the delicate geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As concerns about grey zone warfare tactics and territorial disputes continue to simmer, the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure like submarine cables has become increasingly urgent. The repercussions of such incidents extend beyond mere physical damage, impacting the broader geopolitical landscape and raising questions about the future of regional stability.