Taiwanese authorities are investigating the Cameroon-registered freighter Shunxin-39 for allegedly damaging an international undersea cable near Keelung Harbor. The freighter, reportedly bearing a Chinese name, is suspected of severing the cable while operating near Yehliu, off Taiwan’s northeastern coast.
The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) reported that the cable damage occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. on Friday. Taiwan’s largest telecom provider, Chunghwa Telecom, identified the incident and notified the CGA at 12:40 p.m.
A Coast Guard vessel dispatched from Keelung located the Shunxin-39 about 7 nautical miles (13 kilometers) north of Yehliu by 4:40 p.m. The freighter was subsequently ordered to move closer to Keelung Harbor for an investigation.
Chunghwa Telecom stated that the damaged cable was part of an international communication network, but backup systems successfully rerouted affected services. As a result, telecommunications within Taiwan remained unaffected, and all services were restored promptly.
While the investigation is ongoing, Ho Cheng-hui, CEO of the Kuma Academy, suggested that the incident could be part of a larger pattern of “gray zone” tactics employed by China. Ho described such tactics as attempts to test Taiwan’s resilience and the international community’s response to provocations.
The CGA, working with Chunghwa Telecom, is conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether the freighter’s actions were accidental or intentional. Prosecutors are reviewing evidence to decide on potential charges and compensation for the cable’s damage.
