Wed Dec 24 08:17:15 UTC 2025: China Blames Taiwanese Smugglers for Cable Damage; Taiwan Denies Accusation, Cries Political Manipulation
Weihai, China – Chinese authorities are pointing the finger at two Taiwanese nationals for allegedly orchestrating a smuggling operation that resulted in damage to subsea cables near Taiwan in February. The incident, initially claimed by Taiwan as an act of “hybrid warfare” by Beijing, has further strained relations between the two sides.
The Weihai Public Security Bureau announced the findings of its investigation, stating that the Togo-registered vessel, Hong Tai 58, was being used by Taiwanese men surnamed Chien and Chen to smuggle frozen goods into China. The Bureau is offering a reward for information leading to their capture.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of exaggerating the incident and using it to incite cross-strait tensions. They deny any deliberate act of sabotage.
Taiwan has refuted China’s claims, calling them “political manipulation” and “cross-border repression.” Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council stated that China has no jurisdiction over Taiwan and demanded concrete evidence to support the allegations.
While the Chinese captain of the Hong Tai 58 was previously sentenced by a Taiwanese court to three years in jail for intentionally damaging the cables, seven other Chinese crew members were returned to China without charge.
Subsea cables are vital for global internet and telecommunications, and while damage is common, proving intent is difficult. Taiwan has experienced numerous cable incidents recently, but the motivation is not always clear.
First Piper 