Taiwan has moved to an emergency communications configuration for Dongyin, its northernmost outpost, after an undersea cable connecting the island to nearby Beigan was broken when wreckage from a ship was apparently shifted onto the line by poor weather.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs said late on Wednesday that the cable linking Dongyin to Beigan - part of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands close to the Chinese coast - had been damaged. Dongyin, which has a population of about 1,500 and a substantial military presence, lacks an airport and depends on ferry links to Taiwan.
Authorities activated a microwave communication backup system to carry voice communications and internet traffic to the island. The ministry reported that mobile phone, voice, and data internet services on Dongyin are operating normally under the temporary arrangement. However, cable television remains out of service and some internet functions may suffer minor delays due to the local weather conditions.
Chunghwa Telecom has been tasked with repairing the undersea cable. The ministry said repairs are expected to be completed by the end of July, although that timeline is contingent on weather. The statement attributes the physical break to wreckage moved onto the cable by poor weather, rather than to deliberate action.
The vulnerability of undersea cables linking Taiwan to its outlying islands has been a recurring concern in Taipei. In 2023, two undersea cables connecting the Matsu islands were cut and caused internet disconnections. Taiwan authorities said two Chinese vessels caused that disruption, while at the same time stating there was no evidence Beijing had deliberately tampered with the cables.
Officials have been working to strengthen communications resilience for emergencies, including potential conflict scenarios. Measures include trials to use low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide connectivity for remote areas such as Matsu. The activation of the microwave backup in this instance reflects those resilience efforts and provides continuity for essential communications while repairs are planned.
Operational context
- Dongyin is strategically positioned at the top of the Taiwan Strait and maintains a heavy military presence.
- The island lacks an airport and relies on ferry connections to the main island of Taiwan.
- Current temporary measures are preserving mobile and voice services, with cable TV out and some internet delays possible.