Taiwan Boosts Naval Patrols Amid Cable Sabotage Fears

Taiwan has heightened its naval and coast guard operations following suspicions of Chinese-linked ships damaging undersea communication cables near the island. The Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo announced that the navy would collaborate with the coast guard to monitor and respond to any suspicious maritime activities, especially from vessels flying flags of convenience. This follows incidents involving Chinese-owned ships like 'Shunxing39' and 'Bao Shun', believed to have caused disruptions to the cables off Taiwan's north coast. The Taiwanese government has also engaged with international allies to exchange information on China's 'grey zone' activities, which exert pressure without direct confrontation. Concurrently, Taiwan has reported incursions by China's People's Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait, escalating tensions with aircraft and naval movements crossing the median line. These developments highlight ongoing friction between Taiwan and China, rooted in China's view of Taiwan as a breakaway province, while Taiwan functions as a de facto independent state.