Chinese master jailed for damaging Taiwanese undersea cable

A court in Taiwan has sentenced a Chinese national, identified only as Captain Wang, to three years in prison for intentionally damaging an undersea communication cable connecting Taiwan’s main island to the Penghu archipelago. This verdict marks the first conviction related to the severing of Taiwan’s critical undersea infrastructure.

On February 25, 2025, the Togolese-flagged cargo vessel Hong Tai 58, under Wang’s command, was observed anchored off Taiwan’s southwestern coast near the undersea cable route. Despite multiple warnings from Taiwan’s coast guard, the vessel remained in the area. Shortly after the ship departed, Chunghwa Telecom reported a disruption in the undersea cable. Investigations revealed that the cable had been severed, and the Hong Tai 58 was subsequently detained for further inquiry.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence indicating that the ship’s electronic charts clearly marked the location of undersea cables, suggesting that Wang was aware of the potential risks. Additionally, the vessel’s movements were inconsistent with standard anchoring procedures, with patterns indicating deliberate actions that led to the cable’s damage. Wang initially denied any wrongdoing but later conceded that he “might have broken the cable.”

This incident is part of a series of undersea cable disruptions around Taiwan. In response, Taiwanese authorities have intensified monitoring of vessels, particularly those linked to Chinese interests and operating under flags of convenience.

The Hong Tai 58 itself has been under scrutiny for its suspicious activities. Reports indicate that the vessel had changed its name multiple times, using interchangeable steel plates (pictured) to display different identities, including Hongtai 68 and Shanmei 7. 

The incident also mirrors similar concerns in other regions, such as the Baltic Sea, where undersea cables have been targeted, prompting calls for enhanced maritime security protocols.