Taiwan's link to Matsu Islands damaged, China suspected
Submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands have been severely damaged, raising concern in Taipei. Authorities suspect China of intentional actions.
Taiwanese authorities have reported that the submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands have been "disconnected." According to sources cited by Reuters, one cable is entirely non-functional, while the other has been severely damaged.
In response, backup communication has been activated to partially restore internet connectivity in the islands home to approximately 14,000 people.
Suspicions about China
Taipei suspects China is behind the cable damage, as the country has repeatedly been accused of activities in the "grey zone." Taiwanese authorities previously accused Beijing of damaging a cable north of the island. Chinese authorities dismissed the accusation as "unfounded."
Reaction to the failure
Submarine cable failures cause great concern in Taiwan, which is under constant pressure from Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Taiwan Affairs has not yet commented on the situation.
The Matsu Islands archipelago, consisting of 36 small islets, is located close to the coast of China, adding to the situation's complexity.
