Taiwan Seizes Chinese-Linked Cargo Ship After Submarine Cable Disruption

taiwan - Taiwan has seized a Chinese-linked cargo ship after the disruption of a submarine cable connection to the Penghu Islands. The incident is considered a national security issue by Taiwan.

Taiwan Seizes Chinese-Linked Cargo Ship

Taiwan has taken control of a Chinese-linked cargo ship following the disruption of a submarine cable connection to the Penghu Islands. The incident, which occurred off the southwest coast of Taiwan, is being treated as a matter of national security.

In response to the alleged damage caused by a Chinese-linked vessel to submarine cables earlier this year, Taiwan has increased security in the region to protect vital submarine telecommunication connections.

The Taiwanese coast guard announced that it seized the Togo-flagged Hong Tai 58, crewed by Chinese nationals, after the submarine cable connection to the Penghu Islands was cut. Three vessels were dispatched to detain the cargo ship, which carries a flag of convenience (FOC) from Togo and is linked to China.

A Taiwanese security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the Taiwanese government views the incident as a matter of national security and beyond the norm. The complete Chinese crew of 8 onboard the vessel raises concerns of potential harassment activities in the gray zone.

As of now, the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Taiwan has reported 5 cases of submarine cable disruptions this year, compared to 3 in 2024 and 2023.