A damaged undersea cable near Taiwan, with four severed cores, is attributed to the Cameroonian-registered cargo ship Shunxin-39, suspected to be Chinese-owned. While domestic communications remained unaffected due to backup systems, the incident is under investigation by Taiwanese authorities, who are pursuing compensation and criminal liability. This event mirrors a global pattern of undersea infrastructure disruptions, raising concerns about maritime security and prompting Taiwan to strengthen its communications infrastructure through satellite deployment. The ongoing investigation highlights the use of “grey zone” tactics and a potential broader strategy targeting Taiwan’s infrastructure.
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Following a report from Chunghwa Telecom, the Coast Guard Administration apprehended the Cameroon-registered container ship Shunxin39, suspected of damaging an undersea communication cable northeast of Yeliu. The incident, occurring Friday morning, did not disrupt domestic communications, according to Chunghwa Telecom. The vessel was subsequently escorted to port for inspection. Prosecutors will investigate the matter to determine liability and any necessary compensation.
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A Chinese-owned fishing vessel, sailing under a Taiwanese flag and carrying 18 crew members, was hijacked off Somalia’s northeastern coast. The hijackers, including the ship’s security guards, initially moved the vessel to several locations before its current location in Maraya. While ransom demands remain unconfirmed by authorities, an investigation into the incident, classified as armed robbery at sea by Eunavfor Atalanta, is underway. This event highlights the ongoing maritime security concerns in Somali waters, despite a significant decrease in piracy since 2011.
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The Danish Navy apprehended the Chinese bulk carrier *Yi Peng 3* in Danish territorial waters, suspecting its involvement in damaging Baltic Sea telecommunication cables. The vessel, sailing from Ust-Luga, Russia, is believed to have passed over damaged cables linking Finland and Germany, and Sweden and Lithuania. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the incident as deliberate sabotage, not an accident. This follows a similar October 2023 incident involving a different Chinese vessel and an undersea gas pipeline.
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Investigations into severed Baltic Sea data cables are focusing on the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3. The vessel’s proximity to both cable damage sites—a Swedish-Lithuanian and a Finnish-German cable—around the time of the incidents is raising concerns. Maritime tracking data places the ship near the affected areas on Sunday and Monday. This marks the second such probe into potential sabotage of undersea cables in recent months, heightening anxieties in Europe.
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Japan destroyer sailed into China territorial waters despite warnings.
It seems that the age-old tit-for-tat game between Japan and China has once again reared its head. With the recent incident of a Japan destroyer sailing into what China claims as its territorial waters, tensions are running high. But the question that lingers is, were they truly China’s territorial waters or just a figment of China’s territorial ambitions?
China, the same country that has been encroaching on the territorial waters of other countries, including my own, the Philippines, seems to take offense when the tables are turned. China’s coast guard and militia vessels have been known to harass ships in neighboring waters, even resorting to piratical acts at times.… Continue reading
As an individual closely following international affairs, the recent takeover of the Israel-linked Portuguese vessel MCS ARIES by Iranian forces has left me perplexed and concerned. The ship, sailing under the Portuguese flag with a crew consisting of Filipino workers, seems to have fallen victim to a misguided act of aggression by Iran. The ship’s only tenuous connection to Israel is through its partial ownership by an Israeli mogul, even though both the owner and the company are based in Monaco. This takeover highlights the irrationality and recklessness of Iran’s actions on the global stage.
The fact that this seizure was carried out by the Iranian navy, rather than a proxy group, adds a layer of complexity to the situation.… Continue reading
Russian warships entering the Red Sea has sparked a myriad of reactions and speculations. The idea of the Houthis sinking a Russian warship seems to be a popular topic of discussion, with many wondering about the potential outcome of such an event. It is interesting to note the contrasting views on the Russian Navy, with some expressing doubts about their capabilities and others questioning the motives behind their presence in the Red Sea.
The recent attack on a China run tanker transporting Russian oil by the Houthis raises concerns about the safety of naval vessels in the region. With Russia currently involved in Africa, it begs the question of whether their ultimate destination is the Dead Sea, as some have amusingly suggested.… Continue reading
The recent attack on a ship by the Yemen Houthi rebels that resulted in the first fatalities in the assaults on shipping was a tragic event that has far-reaching implications. As I reflect on this heartbreaking incident, it becomes clear that the repercussions of such attacks extend beyond the immediate loss of life. The disruption of shipping routes not only affects global trade but also raises questions about the security of these vital pathways.
The use of anti-ship missiles by the Houthi rebels highlights the grave threat they pose to maritime security. The fact that these missiles are incapable of discriminating between cargo and crew members underscores the indiscriminate nature of such attacks.… Continue reading
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, an oil tanker has been set ablaze after a missile attack by the Houthi rebels, according to the firm Trafigura. This act of aggression is not only concerning but also incredibly dangerous. Attacking oil ships poses a significant threat not only to the region but also to global trade and stability.
The timing of this attack is particularly inflammatory. Europe is already struggling to secure oil supplies due to the war in Ukraine. Targeting oil tankers could potentially push the Houthi conflict over the edge, exacerbating an already dire situation. Interfering with world trade is never a wise move and can result in severe consequences for those involved.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker