CABLE SABOTAGE or “Fishing Accidents”?

Taiwan’s critical internet cables face mounting sabotage as four breaks in two months raise fears of a deliberate Chinese campaign to isolate the island.

At a Glance

Taiwan’s East Asia Crossing 2 cable severed on September 1, marking the fourth major break since July
Previous breaks hit RNAL/FNAL, C2C, and EAC1 cables, disrupting key international links
Vessels tied to China, including Xingshun 39 and Hongtai 58, implicated in earlier cable cuts
Taiwan’s backup systems and domestic cables maintain uninterrupted connectivity
Japan and Taiwan exploring joint security measures for undersea infrastructure

A Disturbing Pattern Emerges

The September 1 break of the East Asia Crossing 2 submarine cable deepened concerns about Taiwan’s digital security. The incident followed three earlier breaks in July and August, all targeting key international cables linking Taiwan to its neighbors. Officials confirmed the EAC2 disruption hit the Philippines-Singapore route, interrupting traffic to Southeast Asia but leaving Taiwan’s domestic links intact.

These disruptions add to a growing body of evidence suggesting deliberate sabotage. Earlier this year, the Xingshun 39 severed a transpacific cable to the United States, while the Hongtai 58 damaged a line connecting Taiwan’s main island to the Penghu archipelago. Both ships carried links to China, fueling speculation that Beijing is quietly escalating pressure through unconventional warfare targeting undersea infrastructure.

Watch now: Taiwan’s Undersea Cable Crisis

🚨 Taiwan faces another round of undersea cable disruptions!

On September 1, the EAC2 Southeast Asia branch cable was severed, directly impacting Taiwan–Singapore international connectivity. This marks the ninth undersea cable this year either under repair or out of service,… pic.twitter.com/LriM2tOFo2

— SemiVision👁️👁️ (@semivision_tw) September 2, 2025

Resilience in the Face of Attacks

Despite repeated assaults, Taiwan’s communications systems have remained stable. Chunghwa Telecom, the island’s largest operator, stressed that its self-operated international cables remain unaffected. The Ministry of Digital Affairs reported that all ten domestic cables continue to function, and redundant pathways have prevented disruptions for businesses and citizens.

While three international cables are currently down, repair operations are underway. Restoration is expected between September and November 2025, though delays are possible due to limited repair ships and difficult sea conditions. The government emphasized that years of investment in infrastructure redundancy have paid off, shielding Taiwan from digital isolation.

Strategic Stakes for the Pacific

Taiwan’s position at the heart of East Asia’s digital network makes it a strategic target. Fourteen international cables run through the island, supporting not only regional commerce but also global financial and security communications. Sabotage of this infrastructure threatens far more than local internet traffic—it carries implications for U.S. and allied operations across the Pacific.

Regional partners are taking notice. Japan and Taiwan have begun talks on joint measures to safeguard undersea cables, acknowledging the growing risks of state-sponsored interference. Analysts warn that Beijing’s actions reflect a broader strategy to weaponize infrastructure against democratic neighbors, testing resilience without crossing the threshold of open military conflict.