Taiwanese Coast Guard detained a Chinese ship as part of an investigation into a severed undersea communications cable, which may have been caused intentionally or by accident during nearby naval movements.
Taiwan Investigates Chinese-Crewed Vessel Linked to Severed Undersea Cable
Taiwan Investigates Chinese-Crewed Vessel Linked to Severed Undersea Cable
Authorities focus on potential sabotage as tension rises in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwanese authorities have detained a cargo ship crewed by Chinese nationals amid suspicions that it may have been involved in the severing of an undersea communications cable near the island. This incident marks the latest occurrence in a growing series of ambiguous maritime incidents fueling theories about potential acts of sabotage orchestrated by China and Russia.
The damaged cable, which serves to connect Taiwan with the nearby Penghu Islands, was reported severed on Tuesday. The Taiwan Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident but has not determined whether the severing was a deliberate act or due to an accident.
Ou Yu-fei, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, indicated that initial evidence suggests the detained vessel, identified as “Hong Tai 58,” may be involved. The ship, which appeared dilapidated and had multiple names, reportedly has Chinese funding. "We have assessed radar data placing this vessel in the area of the break, making it the sole ship there," Ou stated during a phone interview, adding that the possibility of sabotage cannot be overlooked at this stage.
Moreover, Ou pointed out that the ship may have utilized a false registration number and altered its name at a suspiciously opportune moment. The cable was severed shortly after a Chinese coast guard vessel instructed it to depart from the area, strengthening suspicions that the timing could indicate a deliberate act. “It is conceivable that the vessel performed the act while exiting the vicinity,” he concluded.
The damaged cable, which serves to connect Taiwan with the nearby Penghu Islands, was reported severed on Tuesday. The Taiwan Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident but has not determined whether the severing was a deliberate act or due to an accident.
Ou Yu-fei, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, indicated that initial evidence suggests the detained vessel, identified as “Hong Tai 58,” may be involved. The ship, which appeared dilapidated and had multiple names, reportedly has Chinese funding. "We have assessed radar data placing this vessel in the area of the break, making it the sole ship there," Ou stated during a phone interview, adding that the possibility of sabotage cannot be overlooked at this stage.
Moreover, Ou pointed out that the ship may have utilized a false registration number and altered its name at a suspiciously opportune moment. The cable was severed shortly after a Chinese coast guard vessel instructed it to depart from the area, strengthening suspicions that the timing could indicate a deliberate act. “It is conceivable that the vessel performed the act while exiting the vicinity,” he concluded.
