Taiwan Sentences Chinese Ship Captain to Three Years for Cable Damage

TAIPEI — In a notable legal proceeding, a Taiwanese court sentenced a Chinese ship captain to three years in prison on June 12, 2025, for deliberately severing an undersea telecommunications cable off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. The captain, identified only by his surname Wang, was found guilty of violating the Telecommunications Management Act following an incident in February where the cable linking Taiwan and the Penghu archipelago was reported cut.

The court's decision marks a significant moment in Taiwan's ongoing concerns over maritime security and the integrity of its telecommunications infrastructure. According to court documents, Wang ordered crew members on the Togolese-registered cargo ship Hongtai to lower the anchor in restricted waters, an act the court determined was intended to damage the subsea cable. The anchor did not properly lodge in the seabed, resulting in the ship drifting and completely severing the cable before it was intercepted by the Taiwan Coast Guard.

The judgment emphasized that the evidence presented was sufficient to establish Wang's culpability, despite his claims of negligence and lack of intent to commit wrongdoing. "This punishment serves as a warning to others who might neglect maritime regulations that protect critical infrastructure," stated the presiding judge. The Taiwanese government has increasingly emphasized the importance of safeguarding its undersea cables, which are vital for international communications and data exchange.

Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom, the operator of the affected cable, reported repair costs exceeding NT$17 million (approximately USD 578,000). This incident adds to a growing list of undersea cable disruptions in recent years, often attributed to natural deterioration or activities involving Chinese vessels. Notably, Wang is the first Chinese ship captain to face prosecution in connection with an undersea cable severing, a charge that reflects Taiwan's heightened scrutiny of Chinese maritime operations in its waters.

While the other seven crew members aboard the Hongtai were deported without charges, Wang retains the right to appeal the court's decision. The case has garnered attention not only for its legal implications but also for its geopolitical context, as tensions continue to rise between Taiwan and China, particularly concerning maritime sovereignty.

Experts such as Dr. James Lee, a political scientist at National Taiwan University, have pointed out that incidents like these exacerbate existing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and highlight the fragility of undersea cable networks in a region marked by territorial disputes. "The security of our telecommunications infrastructure is essential, and this case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with foreign maritime activity in our waters," Dr. Lee noted.

The Taiwanese government has monitored numerous vessels flagged under foreign flags, particularly those associated with Chinese ownership, categorizing them as 'suspicious.' The Hongtai was listed among 52 such vessels under surveillance by the coast guard, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of Taiwan's maritime interests.

In conclusion, the incident involving the Hongtai not only underscores the importance of stringent maritime regulations but also serves as a critical point of discussion in Taiwan's broader strategy for safeguarding its telecommunications infrastructure against potential threats. As digital communications continue to play an increasingly vital role in both civilian and military contexts, the implications of this case will likely resonate throughout the region, influencing policy and security measures moving forward.