Submarine cable breakdown disrupts Taiwan's Matsu Islands
Submarine cables connecting Taiwan to its Matsu Islands, home to approximately 14,000 people, have been disconnected, Taiwan's authorities reported. Alternative communication methods have been established.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Taipei announced the disconnection of the cables. According to the ministry, one of the two cables is completely non-functional, and the other has been severely damaged. Their operation is expected to be restored by the end of February.
The introduced wireless alternative communication has partially restored internet connectivity with the islands, which are home to about 14,000 people. The archipelago of 36 small islands is situated near the coast of China.
On Wednesday, Chihue Herming, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, said, "no suspicious ships were detected at the time of the cable disconnection." He believes the probable cause is their "natural wear and tear." However, Herming recalled that in recent years, there have been increasing instances of submarine cable damage in Taiwan caused by ships.
Herming stated that in 2025, Taiwan reported four cases of marine cable damage, and in 2023-2024, authorities in Taipei noted three incidents.
Chinese activities in the "grey zone"
Reuters notes that submarine cable failures cause significant concern in Taiwan. The authorities in Taipei have repeatedly pointed to Chinese activities in the "grey zone," which they believe are part of Beijing's ongoing pressure tactics.
Taiwan, which China considers its breakaway province, previously accused Beijing of damaging a submarine cable north of the island by a Chinese ship. Both the ship's owner and the Chinese government dismissed the accusation as "groundless and lacking evidence."
