A cargo ship named “Shunxing 39,” registered in Cameroon, is suspected of damaging an undersea data cable near Taiwan. The Taiwanese coast guard identified the vessel, which has navigated suspiciously in the area, and is now believed to be heading towards South Korea. Concerns arise over potential deliberate actions linked to China, as Taiwan strengthens its connectivity through partnerships with satellite networks to reduce reliance on vulnerable undersea cables.
Damaged Undersea Cable Near Taiwan
A cargo ship registered under the Cameroonian flag is under suspicion for causing damage to an undersea data cable that links Taiwan to the global telecommunications infrastructure. Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s leading telecom operator, reported a cable break on Saturday, prompting the deployment of the coast guard to the site of the incident, situated just a few nautical miles from Keelung, Taiwan’s primary northern port.
Encounter with the “Shunxing 39”
Upon arrival, the Taiwanese coast guard identified the vessel as the “Shunxing 39,” a 101-meter-long cargo ship. Although it is reportedly owned by a Chinese shipping company, the ship is registered in Cameroon. A photograph released by the coast guard depicts an aged and rusted freighter, with its anchor chain clearly visible hanging from the bow and extending into the water. Due to rough sea conditions, boarding the ship was not feasible, according to the coast guard’s report.
According to the “Financial Times,” ship tracking services indicated that the “Shunxing 39” had been navigating in a suspicious zigzag pattern in the waters north of Keelung between December 5 and January 3, an area known for its undersea cables. The vessel has since reportedly sailed away from Taiwan and is believed to be heading towards South Korea, with Taiwanese authorities seeking assistance from their South Korean counterparts.
The “Shunxing 39” is owned by Jie Yang Trading Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, raising questions in Taiwanese media about the possibility of the cable’s damage being a deliberate act orchestrated by China. This speculation is further fueled by recent incidents where vessels linked to China were involved in the destruction of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.
Nearly two years ago, two cables connecting Matsu, a Taiwanese island near the Chinese mainland, were also damaged, with strong indications pointing to Chinese vessels as the culprits.
If the “Shunxing 39” has exited Taiwanese waters, it may pose challenges for Taipei in apprehending its captain. The ship could quickly reach various Chinese ports, and if it acted on behalf of Chinese military or intelligence services, cooperation from mainland authorities is unlikely.
As the flag state, Cameroon holds primary responsibility for any investigations. However, the country has a questionable reputation in maritime affairs, having been blacklisted by regional port authority organizations in Europe and Asia, including the “Paris Memorandum of Understanding” and the “Tokyo MoU.”
Additionally, “Lloyd’s List,” a shipping industry publication, has linked Cameroon to a shadow fleet that assists Russia in evading Western oil sanctions.
Strengthening Taiwan’s Connectivity
Undersea cables represent a critical vulnerability for Taiwan, which relies heavily on international telecommunications via 15 undersea cables that consolidate at key landing points, particularly in Tamsui, a few kilometers from Keelung.
Recognizing this vulnerability, Chunghwa Telecom has recently entered into a partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb to ensure internet connectivity through low-orbit satellites during crises. Taiwan has opted against utilizing Elon Musk’s Starlink system due to his close economic ties with China.
In response, Taiwan’s space agency is working on establishing its own satellite network, targeting operational capabilities by 2030. Until that vision is realized, incidents like the recent cable damage serve as stark reminders of Taiwan’s precarious reliance on external telecommunications connections.