Taiwan Seeks South Korea's Help Over Shunxing39, Suspected in Anchor-Dragging Cable Sabotage

Jan 5, 2025, 10:03 AM

Taiwan has requested South Korea's assistance in investigating a Chinese-owned cargo vessel, Shunxing39, suspected of damaging a subsea communications cable near Taiwan's northern coast on January 3. The incident occurred close to the port of Keelung, and Taiwanese authorities, including Chunghwa Telecom, believe the damage may have been caused by anchor-dragging, which they have suggested could be an act of sabotage. The Shunxing39, which is registered under a Cameroonian flag but owned by Jie Yang Trading Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, is currently en route to Pusan, South Korea. Taiwan's coast guard has asked South Korean authorities to investigate the ship upon its arrival, as they were unable to question the captain. The damaged cable, which connects Taiwan to the U.S. West Coast, is part of an international consortium involving companies such as AT&T, NTT, Korea Telecom, and China Telecom. Taiwan has expressed concerns about potential Chinese efforts to disrupt its external communications, citing past incidents involving Chinese vessels damaging undersea cables.