Submarine cables severed: Taiwan accuses China of sabotage
Submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands have been severely damaged, causing concern in Taipei. Authorities suspect China of intentional actions.
Taiwanese authorities have reported that the submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands, which belong to it, have been "disconnected". According to sources cited by Reuters, one of the cables is entirely 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 that China is behind the cable damage, which has been repeatedly accused of activities in the "grey zone." Taiwanese authorities previously accused Beijing of damaging a cable north of the island by a Chinese ship. The accusation was dismissed by Chinese authorities as "unfounded."
Reaction to the failure
Failures of submarine cables cause great concern in Taiwan, which is 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.
