Mysterious China Vessel cuts Taiwan’s undersea cable; lurking suspiciously for a month off Taiwan…
In a disturbing development from Taiwan, the Taiwanese Coast Guard is investigating a potential case of sabotage involving undersea internet cables. These cables, which are crucial for Taiwan’s internet connectivity, were reportedly damaged by an alleged Chinese vessel. However, the investigation has hit a roadblock as authorities have been unable to board the suspected ship due to poor weather conditions.
The vessel in question is particularly mysterious. It is registered under two different countries, Cameroon and Tanzania, and it is suspected to be involved in dragging the cables in question. Despite several attempts to board the ship, Taiwan’s authorities have been unsuccessful, with reports indicating the ship continued its journey to South Korea.
Unusual Ownership and Registration
What makes the situation even more puzzling is the ship’s ownership and registration details. The vessel, identified as Shun Xing 39 (also known as Xing Shun 39), is owned by a Hong Kong-based company called Jang Trading Limited. However, upon investigating, it was revealed that the company appeared to be a “ghost company.” A phone call to the corporate service company listed as the company’s contact revealed they had no record of Jang Trading Limited as a client. This raises suspicions about the true nature of the ship’s ownership.
Adding to the intrigue, the ship’s crew consists of seven Chinese nationals, and the vessel operates under multiple Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSIs), which is highly unusual for a single ship. These factors, combined with the ship’s unusual behavior, suggest that there may be more at play than a simple accident.
The Timeline of Events
The incident began on Friday morning at 7:51 a.m., when an undersea cable near Keelung Harbor in Taiwan was disrupted, triggering a warning. The warning was promptly sent to Taiwan’s government-run telecom operator, Chunghwa Telecom. While the internet service itself was not completely disrupted, the warning indicated that the damage was caused by a ship dragging its anchor along the seabed, potentially damaging the cable.
After tracking the vessel for several hours, the Taiwanese Coast Guard was able to locate it but could not board and confirm its involvement due to the weather. Radar data and navigation records were collected and sent to prosecutors for further investigation. The ship eventually made its way to Busan, South Korea.
Suspicious Behavior
The ship’s movements during this period have raised several red flags. Between December 5th and January 3rd, the Shun Xing 39 (or Xing Shun39) was seen repeatedly circling near Taiwan without making any clear progress in its journey. Its erratic movement and prolonged stay near Taiwan have led many to speculate that the vessel was deliberately dragging the cables or engaging in other suspicious activities.
The ship’s route also suggests that it could be a part of a broader attempt to disrupt Taiwan’s internet infrastructure, a tactic that has been speculated as part of a strategy of “gray zone” warfare. Such tactics involve actions that create tensions or cause damage without escalating to outright war.
The Cable Affected
The damaged cable is part of the Transpacific Express Cable System, which is a critical undersea cable network linking Taiwan to the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China. If the cable between Taiwan and these countries is cut, the only remaining connection would be through China, making Taiwan more vulnerable to disruptions. This is especially concerning given the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.
A History of Similar Incidents
This is not the first time Taiwan has experienced disruptions to its undersea cables. In February 2023, cables connecting Taiwan to the Matsu Islands were completely severed, leading to similar suspicions of sabotage. The current incident continues to fuel concerns that these disruptions are part of a broader pattern of strategic maneuvers in the region.
Possible Chinese Involvement
While the origins of the attack remain unclear, many experts suspect Chinese involvement, given the peculiar circumstances surrounding the vessel and its owner. However, similar incidents have also been attributed to Russian actions, raising further questions about the role of foreign powers in these types of operations.
Conclusion
The investigation into this undersea cable sabotage remains ongoing, and it highlights the growing importance of internet infrastructure in global geopolitics. As tensions continue to rise in the region, Taiwan’s vulnerability to such disruptions could play a significant role in the broader geopolitical landscape. While nations are unlikely to resort to all-out war at this moment, these “gray zone” tactics are likely to continue as a way for countries to assert power and influence without engaging in direct conflict.
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