Taiwan is increasing surveillance and management of ships flying flags of convenience, including boarding them when necessary, after a Chinese-linked cargo vessel was suspected of damaging an undersea communications cable, the government announced.
The vessel, registered in Cameroon and Tanzania but owned by a Hong Kong company, allegedly damaged a cable north of Taiwan earlier this month. Due to adverse weather conditions, authorities could not board the ship to verify its intentions. The owner denies involvement, while China has dismissed Taiwan’s accusations.
Taiwan remains concerned about “grey zone” tactics by China, including balloon overflights and sand dredging, designed to pressure the island without direct confrontation.
In a report to lawmakers, Taiwan’s National Security Bureau stated plans to enhance surveillance of ships with questionable registrations. Those with past discrepancies will be prioritized for inspections at ports. If these ships come within 24 nautical miles of Taiwan’s coast near undersea cables, the coast guard will be dispatched to board and investigate.
Taiwan also aims to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. and Europe on suspected undersea cable sabotage, sharing intelligence and threat analysis.
The government has drawn parallels between these incidents and damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last week, Taiwan accused Chinese ships flying flags of convenience of carrying "the mark of evil."
