Taiwan Authorities Detain Ship With Chinese Links, Suspected of Cutting Undersea Cable
The recent detention of the Hong Tai 58, a ship crewed by Chinese nationals, is part of a series of incidents related to Taiwan’s undersea cable infrastructure.
Taiwan’s coast guard announced on Tuesday the detention of a cargo ship associated with China following the severing of an undersea cable leading to the Penghu Islands.
According to the coast guard’s statement, the Hong Tai 58, operated by Chinese nationals but carrying a flag of convenience from the African country of Togo, was intercepted in waters between Taiwan’s west coast and the Penghu Islands.
The coast guard was alerted by telecommunications provider Chunghwa Telecom about the cable being cut 6 nautical miles northwest of Jiangjun fishing harbor.
In recent years, Taiwan has raised concerns about various actions by China, such as balloon overflights, sand dredging, and interference with undersea cables, categorized as gray zone activities.
The Taiwanese navy and other agencies have intensified efforts to safeguard undersea cables crucial for the nation’s connectivity with the world, with further investigations pending, as stated by the coast guard.
In the recent incident, the coast guard revealed that the Hong Tai 58, located near the cable breakage site, failed to respond to multiple signals sent by authorities between Feb. 22 and Feb. 24.
The vessel began its voyage northwest but was intercepted by three coast guard ships and escorted to Anping.
The authorities are handling the case with caution, applying principles at the national security level.
Possible ‘Gray Zone Harassment’
The coast guard’s statement indicated, “All eight crew members are Chinese nationals, and [we] do not rule out the possibility of Chinese activities related to gray zone harassment.”
The statement also mentioned that further investigation is required to determine whether the cable break was a deliberate act of sabotage or an unintentional incident.
Despite the incident, communications between Taiwan and the Penghu Islands remained unaffected, as services were rerouted through alternative cables, according to Taiwan’s digital ministry.
In February 2023, communications with the Taiwan-administered Matsu Islands faced disruptions after two undersea cables were severed, impacting residents’ internet access and messaging services.
Taiwanese authorities have noted an increase in undersea cable malfunctions this year and have uncovered patent applications indicating Chinese researchers’ development of technologies for sabotaging undersea cables.
Why Use Flag Of Convenience?
Ships may opt for a flag of convenience registration for various reasons, including lower fees and reduced maritime bureaucracy compared to countries like the United States, Britain, and France.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the Hong Tai 58 incident during a press briefing, stating a lack of awareness about the situation.
Contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters are acknowledged in this report.
