Taiwan Accuses Chinese-Owned Shunxin-39, Registered Under Cameroonian Flag, of Sabotaging Undersea Cable

Jan 6, 2025, 03:23 AM

Taiwan has accused a Chinese-owned cargo vessel, the Shunxin-39, registered under the Cameroonian flag, of damaging an undersea cable near its northeastern coast on Friday. The incident, which occurred near Keelung Harbor, is suspected to be an act of sabotage. The vessel, owned by a Hong Kong-registered company with a director who is a Chinese citizen, was ordered by Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) to return to waters off Keelung port for investigation. The damaged cable, operated by Chunghwa Telecom, did not affect domestic communications due to the availability of backup equipment. Taiwan has sought assistance from South Korea in investigating the incident, as the Shunxin-39 is heading to Busan. The incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of Taipei's offshore communications infrastructure and follows similar incidents involving Chinese vessels in the Baltic Sea.