Taiwan’s Subsea Cable Damage and the Growing Tensions in the Taiwan Strait

In recent days, Taiwan has found itself once again at the centre of geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, as a Chinese-owned vessel is suspected of damaging a subsea telecom cable. This incident highlights not only the vulnerabilities of Taiwan's communications infrastructure but also underscores China's growing influence and military strategy in the region. The damaged cable is part of the Trans-Pacific Express Cable System, a critical component of global internet and communication systems, bringing attention to the delicate balance of power in the Pacific.

The Strategic Importance of Subsea Cables to Taiwan’s Communications

Subsea cables are often described as the backbone of global telecommunications. They carry over 95% of international data and are especially crucial for island nations like Taiwan, which rely heavily on these cables for maintaining links with the rest of the world. The Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway separating Taiwan from China, has seen increased military and economic tensions in recent years, and incidents like the recent damage to Taiwan's subsea cables only escalate fears of a communication breakdown.

Taiwan’s vulnerability is compounded by its geopolitical situation—its self-rule is not recognized by Beijing, which views the island as part of China. With the Chinese government ramping up its military and economic pressure, every disruption to Taiwan’s infrastructure, especially something as vital as telecom cables, can be seen as part of a larger strategy to destabilize the island.

The Shunxing39 Incident: A Chinese-Owned Vessel Under Scrutiny

On January 3, Taiwan’s coast guard intercepted the Cameroon-flagged cargo ship Shunxing39, suspecting that its anchor may have dragged over a vital subsea cable in waters northeast of Taiwan. The ship was briefly detained by Taiwanese authorities, and they confirmed that it was owned by Jie Yang Trading, a Hong Kong-based company with ties to China. The captain of the vessel claimed that the ship was simply dragging its anchor in rough seas, but Taiwan’s authorities had no clear evidence to prove that the cable had been damaged.

What makes the situation even more concerning is the vessel’s subsequent actions. After leaving Taiwanese jurisdiction, the ship switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS), making it nearly impossible for authorities to track its movements. This violation of international maritime law raises suspicions about the ship's true intent and the broader context of China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait.

The Role of Subsea Cables in Global Communication and Security

Taiwan’s reliance on subsea cables is not just an internal matter—it has global ramifications. The Trans-Pacific Express Cable system is a high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic network that connects Taiwan to key global internet hubs in the U.S. and Asia. A disruption in these cables, whether accidental or intentional, could severely affect internet and communication services in Taiwan, a region that already faces threats from China's military and economic strategies.

In the case of the Shunxing39 incident, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest telecom operator, quickly rerouted traffic to other cables, ensuring minimal service disruption. However, the long-term implications of this act go beyond short-term internet outages. Cutting off Taiwan’s access to global communication channels would leave the island isolated, further straining its already tenuous relations with China and heightening fears of a potential invasion or blockade.

Taiwan’s Vulnerability and China’s Strategic Actions in the Taiwan Strait

The Taiwan Strait has become one of the most significant flashpoints for geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. As China’s influence grows, Taiwan’s strategic location becomes increasingly important—not just for its own security but for global stability. Taiwan is a critical player in the global supply chain, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, and its isolation from the international community would have far-reaching consequences for the world economy.

China’s growing military presence near Taiwan, coupled with cyber-attacks and disruptions to critical infrastructure, is seen as part of a broader strategy to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty. While the international community largely continues to support Taiwan's democratic system, the Chinese government has consistently pushed to bring Taiwan under its control, through diplomatic, economic, and increasingly military means.

The Shunxing39 incident is not isolated. In fact, it is part of a larger pattern of subsea cable damage around Taiwan. In 2023, the islands of Matsu, located off Taiwan’s coast, experienced several instances of cable damage that were believed to be caused by Chinese fishing vessels or sand dredgers. These incidents have become a routine part of Taiwan’s security concerns, but they are often met with limited international attention or response.

Taiwan has responded by exploring satellite communication systems to back up its subsea cables, reducing the risk of complete isolation should such incidents continue. However, the vulnerability of subsea cables remains a critical issue for Taiwan’s national security and its connections to the global community.

Satellite Communications: Taiwan’s Backup Plan

In light of these threats, Taiwan has begun investing in alternative communication methods, including satellite-based communications. By establishing satellite systems, Taiwan hopes to mitigate the impact of potential disruptions to its undersea cable network. While satellites can provide backup connectivity, they are not without their own vulnerabilities. High-speed internet and secure communication are still primarily reliant on subsea cables, and Taiwan's strategic focus on satellite communications is seen as an insurance policy against total isolation.

Moreover, microwave systems are being explored as another means to maintain internet connectivity in the event of cable damage. These technological solutions represent Taiwan’s proactive steps to safeguard its communication infrastructure, but they also underscore the island’s fragile position in the face of growing Chinese aggression.

Taiwan’s Strategic Interests in the Indo-Pacific

Taiwan’s position as a vital global hub for semiconductor production, high-tech manufacturing, and strategic security makes it a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. The island’s growing role in the global economy and its proximity to key shipping lanes make it an indispensable part of the global supply chain. This makes Taiwan’s telecommunications infrastructure a prime target for any efforts to weaken its position in the region.

China's push to disrupt Taiwan's communications is not just an attempt to damage the island’s infrastructure—it is part of a broader strategy to discredit Taiwan's self-governance and to create uncertainty in the region. By cutting off Taiwan’s subsea cables, China aims to disrupt the economic and military activities of the island, all while furthering its narrative of Taiwan’s subjugation under Beijing's control.

The Geopolitical and Economic Implications for Taiwan and the World

The potential implications of cutting Taiwan’s subsea cables go beyond the island itself. The disruption of global telecom systems would have ripple effects on international trade, finance, and communication. Taiwan, as a crucial link in the global supply chain, plays a significant role in the functioning of international markets. A failure in Taiwan’s communications infrastructure could lead to widespread economic uncertainty, affecting not only Taiwan’s trade partners in Asia but also the broader international community.

With China’s increasing military and cyber capabilities, Taiwan is faced with an escalating series of challenges to its sovereignty. The subsea cable attack is just one of many forms of pressure China has placed on Taiwan, but it serves as a clear warning: Taiwan's connections to the world remain vulnerable, and any disruption to those connections could be exploited for strategic gain.