Disruption to Undersea Cables in Taiwan’s Matsu Islands
Back-up Communications Activated to Partially Resume Internet Services
Taiwan’s digital affairs ministry announced on Wednesday that undersea cables to the Matsu Islands, which lie close to the coast of China, were disconnected. Sources revealed that back-up communications, including microwave communications, have been activated to partially resume internet services in the islands, where around 14,000 people live.
Disconnection of Undersea Cables
Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that one of two cables connecting Matsu with the main Taiwan island was completely disconnected, while the other has seriously malfunctioned. The disconnection of these cables has caused significant disruptions to internet services in the islands.
Grey Zone Chinese Activities
Disruptions to undersea cables have been a particularly alarming issue for Taiwan given its repeated complaints about “grey zone” Chinese activities around the island. These activities, designed to pressure Taiwan without direct confrontation, include balloon overflights and sand dredging. Taiwan has accused China of engaging in these activities to exert pressure on the island.
Suspected Chinese-Linked Ship
This month, Taiwan accused a Chinese-linked ship of damaging a cable to the north of the island. The ship’s owner has denied involvement, and China’s government has said Taiwan was making up accusations before the facts were clear. Taiwan has vowed to dispatch its navy if needed to help the coast guard respond to any suspicious activity near undersea communication cables.
Previous Incident
In 2023, two undersea cables connecting Matsu islands were cut, disconnecting the internet. Taiwan authorities said two Chinese vessels caused the disruption, but there was no evidence Beijing deliberately tampered with the cables.
Conclusion
The disruption to undersea cables in Taiwan’s Matsu Islands highlights the importance of reliable communication infrastructure. The activation of back-up communications is a welcome development, but it is essential to address the root causes of these disruptions. Taiwan’s repeated complaints about “grey zone” Chinese activities around the island underscore the need for a more robust response to these activities.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the undersea cables in Taiwan’s Matsu Islands?
A: The cables were disconnected, with one completely cut and the other seriously malfunctioning.
Q: What is the impact of the disconnection on internet services in the islands?
A: The disconnection has caused significant disruptions to internet services in the islands, where around 14,000 people live.
Q: What are “grey zone” Chinese activities, and how do they relate to the undersea cable disruptions?
A: “Grey zone” Chinese activities refer to activities designed to pressure Taiwan without direct confrontation, such as balloon overflights and sand dredging. Taiwan has accused China of engaging in these activities to exert pressure on the island, which may be related to the undersea cable disruptions.
Q: What is Taiwan doing to respond to the undersea cable disruptions?
A: Taiwan has activated back-up communications, including microwave communications, to partially resume internet services in the islands. The country has also vowed to dispatch its navy if needed to help the coast guard respond to any suspicious activity near undersea communication cables.