Taiwan says undersea cables to Matsu Islands cut

Vital undersea cables to the Matsu Islands, which lie close to the coast of China, have been disconnected, Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs says.

Sources said back-up communications were activated on Wednesday.

Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that one of two cables connecting Matsu with the main Taiwan island was completely disconnected and the other has seriously malfunctioned.

Back-up communications including microwave communications have been activated, they said, which could allow internet services to partially resume in the islands, where around 14,000 people live.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Disruptions to undersea cables have been a particularly alarming issue for Taiwan given it has repeatedly complained about “grey zone” Chinese activities around the island, designed to pressure it without direct confrontation, such as balloon overflights and sand dredging.

Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, said this month a Chinese-linked ship was suspected of damaging a cable to the north of the island, although the ship’s owner has denied involvement and China’s government has said Taiwan was making up accusations before the facts were clear.

Taiwan said following the incident that it will dispatch its navy if needed to help the coast guard respond to any suspicious activity near undersea communication cables.

In 2023, two undersea cables connecting Matsu islands were cut, disconnecting the internet.

Taiwan authorities said two Chinese vessels caused the disruption, but that there was no evidence Beijing deliberately tampered with the cables.