Taiwan’s Undersea Internet Cable Cut: Concerns About China’s ‘Gray Zone’ Tactics

Earlier this month, a major internet cable in Taiwan was damaged. This wasn’t just a technical issue – it raised alarms about potential threats from China. Taiwan’s Coast Guard has been investigating a cargo ship from China, the Shunxin39, which was spotted near the broken cable. They suspect it might have cut the cable on purpose. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. In 2023, two submarine cables linked to Taiwan’s Matsu Island were damaged. No one can say for sure if these are accidents or deliberate acts.China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been increasing pressure on the island. Some experts think these incidents could be part of a strategy called ‘gray zone’ tactics. These are actions that don’t quite count as war but can still cause trouble. Taiwan is working to protect its internet connections, looking into alternatives like satellites. They want to make sure they can stay connected to the world, even if something happens to their cables. Some people think these incidents could be tests for bigger operations in the future. Taiwan is also worried about other kinds of pressure, like more Chinese military activity in the area. They’re trying to be ready for anything. This is a complex situation, and it’s important for Taiwan to find ways to stay connected and safe.