This follows an incident last year in which a Chinese cargo ship was suspected of damaging an underwater cable in the Baltic sea (Guardian Article, Tildes Discussion)
Taiwanese authorities are investigating a Chinese-owned vessel that is suspected of damaging an undersea internet cable, causing limited disruption.
The Cameroon-registered vessel Shunxing 39 was briefly detained by Taiwan’s coastguard on Friday on suspicion of dragging its anchor over an international subsea cable north-east of the island. The cable runs to the US and is co-owned by several international companies.
The Guardian understands the incident is being treated as a possible act of sabotage. Taiwan’s coastguard said on Tuesday it was collating evidence and referring the case to Taiwan’s district prosecutor’s office for investigation. It also said it had asked for assistance from the ship’s destination port of Busan, in South Korea. After identifying the ship, Taiwan’s coastguard had ordered the vessel to return to Taiwanese waters for investigation but was unable to board due to rough weather. The Shunxing 39 then sailed to South Korea.
This follows an incident last year in which a Chinese cargo ship was suspected of damaging an underwater cable in the Baltic sea (Guardian Article, Tildes Discussion)
This follows an incident last year in which a Chinese cargo ship was suspected of damaging an underwater cable in the Baltic sea (Guardian Article, Tildes Discussion)