A subsea cable operated by Chunghwa Telecom was reportedly damaged on January 3, 2025, off the coast of Yehliu, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The incident, involving a Cameroon-registered cargo ship named Shunxin 39, has sparked concerns about potential deliberate actions tied to geopolitical tensions. The ship, allegedly linked to Chinese ownership, left Taiwan’s Keelung port for South Korea shortly before the damage was discovered.
Chunghwa Telecom’s Subsea Infrastructure
Chunghwa Telecom, a major telecom provider in Taiwan, operates 12 subsea cables landing on the island. While the company confirmed that four fibers were damaged, it assured that there was no disruption to connectivity. This resilience highlights the redundancy built into Taiwan’s critical communication infrastructure.
Was the Incident Deliberate?
Taiwanese media and security experts suggest the incident may not have been accidental. Reports have surfaced that the Shunxin 39’s true owner is Guo Wenjie, a Chinese national, and the vessel is registered under Hong Kong-based Jie Yang Trading. However, the Taiwanese Coast Guard has stated it cannot confirm these allegations due to insufficient evidence.
Geopolitical Implications of Subsea Cable Disruptions
Past Incidents in the Baltic Sea
This incident echoes similar occurrences in the Baltic Sea, where China-linked vessels were accused of damaging vital subsea cables. In late 2024, the Yi Peng 3 was suspected of damaging the C-Lion1 Helsinki-Rostock and BCS East-West link cables. Another Chinese ship, Newnew Polar Bear, was linked to damage involving cables and an undersea pipeline between Finland and Estonia in October 2023.
Rising Concerns Over Maritime Security
Deliberate disruptions to subsea cables are increasingly seen as a tactic for geopolitical leverage. Subsea cables form the backbone of global internet connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data. Damage to these infrastructures can significantly impact economies and national security, making their protection a critical priority for nations.
Challenges in Investigating Maritime Incidents
Limited Jurisdiction
The Taiwanese Coast Guard reported challenges in taking investigative actions. Despite suspicions, it could not board or detain the Shunxin 39. Maritime law often complicates such cases, as vessels registered in foreign countries are subject to the jurisdiction of their flag state.
Attribution Complexity
Identifying the true ownership and intent behind incidents like this is inherently difficult. Ships often operate under flags of convenience, obscuring their real ownership. This lack of transparency makes accountability elusive.
Ensuring Subsea Cable Security
Redundancy and Resilience
Telecom companies like Chunghwa Telecom have designed their networks with redundancy to minimize the impact of disruptions. Diversified cable routes and rapid repair capabilities are essential strategies to maintain connectivity.
International Collaboration
Securing subsea cables requires international cooperation. Nations must collaborate to enhance surveillance, share intelligence, and enforce maritime laws more effectively.
FAQs
What happened to the Chunghwa Telecom subsea cable?
On January 3, 2025, four fibers of a Chunghwa Telecom subsea cable near Yehliu, New Taipei City, were damaged. A Cameroon-registered cargo ship, Shunxin 39, is suspected of causing the damage.
Was internet connectivity affected by the damage?
No, Chunghwa Telecom confirmed that connectivity was not disrupted due to its redundant network design.
Who owns the Shunxin 39?
The ship is officially registered in Cameroon, but Taiwanese media allege its true owner is Guo Wenjie, a Chinese national, operating under Hong Kong-registered Jie Yang Trading.
Has China been involved in similar incidents before?
Yes, China-linked vessels have been implicated in damaging subsea cables in the Baltic Sea, including the Yi Peng 3 and Newnew Polar Bear ships.
How can subsea cables be protected?
Subsea cables can be safeguarded through redundancy in network design, enhanced international cooperation for monitoring, and stricter enforcement of maritime laws.
