TAIPEI – Taiwan’s coast guard has seized the Hong Tai 58, a Chinese-crewed vessel, after it was found lingering near the site of a severed undersea communications cable connecting to the Penghu Islands.
The Togo-flagged ship had reportedly ignored multiple radio calls and was observed anchoring close to the damaged cable before being intercepted by Taiwanese authorities. The incident comes amid rising concerns over maritime security, as Taiwan has recorded five undersea cable failures this year, many linked to Chinese activity.
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Officials suspect the latest disruption is not a coincidence. With a pattern of unexplained damage to critical infrastructure, Taipei is increasingly viewing such incidents as potential acts of “grey-zone warfare”—a strategy aimed at undermining Taiwan’s security through non-military means.
Despite the damage, Penghu’s communications remain operational through rerouted services. However, authorities are on high alert for further disruptions, reinforcing surveillance measures to counter potential threats to Taiwan’s telecommunications and maritime stability.
Key Points:
Taiwan Seizes China-Linked Vessel: The Hong Tai 58, a Chinese-crewed ship, was intercepted by Taiwan’s coast guard after it was found near a severed undersea communications cable.
Suspicious Activity: The Togo-flagged ship ignored multiple radio calls and anchored close to the damaged cable before being seized.
Pattern of Cable Failures: Taiwan has reported five undersea cable disruptions this year, many linked to Chinese activity, raising security concerns.
Concerns Over ‘Grey-Zone Warfare’: Officials suspect the damage is part of a broader strategy to destabilize Taiwan through non-military means.
Telecommunications Remain Operational: Despite the disruption, Penghu’s connectivity has been maintained through rerouted services.
Heightened Security Measures: Taiwan is reinforcing surveillance and maritime security to prevent further threats to its critical infrastructure.
