Tensions between Taiwan and China have flared over allegations that a ship with suspected Chinese ties damaged an undersea communications cable off Taiwan's northern coast. The incident has heightened concerns on the island about "grey zone" activities attributed to Beijing.
Taiwan's coast guard suspects that a vessel, registered in both Cameroon and Tanzania but owned by a Hong Kong company, caused the damage late last week. Due to adverse weather conditions, coast guard officials were unable to board the ship for investigation. While the coast guard has yet to present direct evidence, it has not ruled out the possibility that the ship was involved in activities designed to undermine Taiwan without overt confrontation.
"Internationally, mainland Chinese ships flying flags of convenience have the mark of evil about them," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stated, pointing to similar incidents in Baltic states where Chinese ships were suspected of damaging undersea cables.
The Taiwanese government is handling the matter cautiously, citing previous cable damage incidents near its Kinmen and Matsu islands, territories close to the Chinese mainland but under Taiwan's control.
Beijing, however, dismissed the allegations. The Taiwan Affairs Office in China characterized the damage as a "common maritime accident" and accused Taiwan of fabricating the claims to fuel fears of a "grey zone threat" from the mainland.
Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province, has long accused Beijing of employing grey zone tactics, including balloon surveillance and sand dredging, to pressure the island.
The diplomatic row also comes against the backdrop of Beijing's aversion to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom China labels a "separatist." Lai has called for dialogue with China but firmly rejects its sovereignty claims, asserting that Taiwan's future is for its people to decide.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the challenges posed by ambiguous maritime activities.