An errant shipwreck cut a crucial link between the strategic Dongyin and Beigan islands.
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Even though the island is small and sparsely populated, the Taiwanese military reportedly has a heavy presence in the area owing to its proximity to China. More importantly, its location close to the Chinese coast and the northern mouth of the Taiwan Strait makes it a strategically important position, as it could serve as a forward operating base to control access to the narrow body of water separating Taiwan and China. Dongyin, notably, does not have an airport and is only accessible via ferry service.
Although this latest incident was caused by natural forces and not an action by a third-party actor, it still highlights Taiwan’s vulnerability in its connection to the rest of the world. This isn’t the first time that the Matsu Islands have lost their undersea cable. Reuters said that in 2023, two undersea cables were cut by Chinese vessels, although it was determined that it was an accident and not a deliberate action.
You may like China tests deep-sea electro-hydrostatic actuator that can cut undersea cables at a depth of 3,500 meters Iran conflict delays Meta’s 2Africa undersea cable project UK navy tracked three Russian submarines near undersea cables, damage would 'have serious consequences,' Putin warned Nevertheless, there have been recent incidents in which Chinese ships are suspected of deliberately damaging undersea internet cables around the main island . Given the threat to Taiwan, its navy and coast guard have increased defensive patrols on the 24 underwater links around the island. It’s also keeping a close eye on 96 vessels that have been blacklisted and are suspected of have links with China. Taiwanese lawmakers even increased the penalty for those who are suspected of attempting to sabotage undersea cables, with offenders facing up to 7 years imprisonment plus a fine of $325,000.
Undersea cables are crucial infrastructure as they connect nations to the internet. Aside from letting you stream your favorite TV shows and movies and check your emails, undersea links also let governments talk with their allies and allow military units to coordinate their actions. While wireless technologies, like microwave and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, can serve as backup, they still do not have the reliability and bandwidth that a physical connection can offer.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/crucial-taiwan-undersea-cable-severed-by-old-shipwreck-backup-microwave-communications-activated-to-keep-population-connected#main
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