TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's defense ministry said Wednesday it will strengthen surveillance near four areas of its undersea cable network after a Chinese-owned ship was suspected of causing damage.
The ministry said it would monitor ships carrying flags of convenience, referring to those registered to countries different from their owner, and board them to investigate if necessary. Using its radar systems, the Navy will look for ships that stall, suddenly change speed, or follow unusual paths, Reuters reported.
According to the Coast Guard, the key monitoring areas are the cable locations and their landing points on shore. It designated four surveillance zones in the waters off Yilan's Toucheng Township, New Taipei's Bali District, Pingtung's Fangshan Township, and Penghu.
The Navy will work with the Coast Guard for inspection or seizure if a suspicious vessel is spotted. The Navy said it may also deploy ships at the Coast Guard’s request.
The military added that it will consult the Coast Guard on joint measures to provide support during maritime missions. It will also exchange intelligence and techniques with the United States and Europe.
On Jan. 3, Taiwan reported the Chinese-owned vessel Shunxing39 cut an undersea communications cable off its north coast. The Coast Guard alleged the ship had been loitering in the area crisscrossed by undersea cables since December and dragged its anchor at the site of damage.
One Taiwanese security official called the incident “another case of a very worrying global trend of sabotage against subsea cables.” The Chinese cargo ship owner denied responsibility.