Reuters: Taiwan accused the captain of the Chinese vessel of damage to submarine cables

Chinese frigate, illustrative photo Eng.chinamil.com.n

On April 11, the Taiwan Prosecutor’s Office for the first time charged the captain of the Chinese vessel for deliberate damage to the underwater cables in February, which caused the authorities to concern against the background of exacerbation of tensions with China.

Source: Agency Reuters

Details: According to Reuters, the Taiwan Prosecutor’s Office for the first time charged a Chinese crew captain for damage to the underwater cable. The man who called Van was driven by the Hong Tai 58 vessel, registered with that.

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The Taiwanese authorities believe that the ship has thrown an anchor near the southwestern coast of the island, resulting in damaging the cable.

The captain denied the blame and refused to inform who owns the ship. According to prosecutors, he cooperated reluctantly. Another 7 crew members will not be held accountable – they are planned to be returned to China.

Reuters states that this is the first such case of Taiwan’s prosecution. According to the Ministry of Digital Technologies, this year there were already 5 cases of damage to marine cables, while in 2023 and 2024 there were 3 such.

Taiwan increased monitoring of marine infrastructure, including tracking about 100 suspicious vessels related to China but registered in other countries.

Recall:

• January 6 Taiwan statedthat the Chinese ship damaged the underwater internet cable off the northern coast of the island, which led to a temporary disruption of communication.
• February 25 Beregova Guard Taiwan delayed the Chinese truckwhich cut the underwater cable off the west coast of the island.
• On April 1, China’s armed forces stated that Joint exercises began Army, Fleet and Missile Troops around Taiwan.