Taipai on alert: Suspected sabotage of Taiwan-Matsu cables
Submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands have been severely damaged, sparking concern in Taipei. Authorities suspect China intentionally damaged them.
Taiwanese authorities have reported that the submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands, which are part of Taiwan, have been "disconnected." According to sources cited by Reuters, one of the cables is completely non-functional, while the other has been severely damaged.
In response, backup communication has been activated to partially restore internet connectivity with the islands, which are inhabited by approximately 14,000 people.
Suspicions about China
Taipei suspects China is behind the cable damage, having repeatedly accused it of activities in the "grey zone." Taiwanese authorities previously accused Beijing of damaging a cable north of the island, claiming it was by a Chinese ship. Chinese authorities dismissed this accusation as "unfounded."
Reaction to the failure
Failures of submarine cables cause great concern in Taiwan, a region under constant pressure from Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Taiwan Affairs has not yet commented on the situation.
The archipelago of the Matsu Islands, consisting of 36 small islets, is located close to the coast of China, further complicating the situation.
