In a disturbing incident near Keelung Harbor, Taiwan, an undersea cable that plays a crucial role in international communication was cut by a Chinese ship. The ship, known as the Shunxin-39, is a freighter registered in Cameroon. The event was confirmed by the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest telecommunications company. The damage to the undersea cable is alarming, but Chunghwa Telecom assured that the cable has a backup system. This means that telecommunications in Taiwan will not be affected, despite the damage to the undersea cable.
The cable that was cut helps provide internet and other communication services across Taiwan and to other countries. It is vital for many services, including phone calls, video chats, and online shopping. The cut is believed to have occurred recently, and the investigation is ongoing. While it did not immediately affect services, the incident raises serious concerns.
The Coast Guard Responds Quickly
After learning about the cable damage, Taiwan’s Coast Guard acted fast. A ship from the Coast Guard’s first fleet was sent to investigate. The Shunxin-39 was found about 13 kilometers (7 nautical miles) north of Yehliu, which is a well-known area near the northern coast of Taiwan. The Coast Guard discovered the Chinese ship at around 4:40 pm on Friday.
The Coast Guard demanded that the Shunxin-39 return closer to Keelung Harbor so an investigation could be carried out. They also gathered all the evidence related to the incident and sent it to prosecutors. The Chinese ship’s actions are now being investigated, and the Coast Guard is working to figure out why the cable was cut and whether it was done intentionally.
Concerns Over China’s Tactics
The incident has sparked concern among experts and government officials. Some believe this may not be the first time China has used maritime tactics to disrupt Taiwan’s infrastructure. Over the years, there have been reports of China using various methods to cause problems for Taiwan, often without direct conflict. These actions are part of a broader strategy sometimes called “gray zone” tactics. These tactics involve using less obvious and aggressive actions to challenge another country without actually starting a war.
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The cutting of the cable could be seen as an attempt to test how far Taiwan and the international community are willing to go in response to such disruptions. It also raises questions about how China might use similar methods in the future to cause trouble for Taiwan.
The government of Taiwan has been trying to improve its own infrastructure to avoid such problems. It has been working on launching its own satellites, which will help increase the country’s ability to communicate and defend itself from outside threats. This incident only adds to the pressure for Taiwan to strengthen its systems and be prepared for any future challenges.
In conclusion, the cutting of the undersea cable near Keelung Harbor has raised serious concerns. While Taiwan’s communications were not affected thanks to backup systems, the incident has brought to light the ongoing tension between Taiwan and China. The investigation is still in progress, and the government is taking steps to ensure the country’s safety and security in the face of such disruptions.
