Taiwan's authorities reported that submarine cables connecting Taiwan to its Matsu Islands, which are home to about 14,000 people, have been disconnected. Alternative communication solutions have been established.

Taiwan's digital infrastructure faced challenges again as two submarine cables connecting Taiwan and the Matsu Islands were completely severed on January 22, marking the latest in a series of disruptions that highlight the vulnerability of critical communication networks in the region.

A series of incidents, both at home and in Europe, stoked concerns about Chinese attempts to disrupt telecommunications in Taiwan.

As an island, Taiwan is particularly vulnerable to submarine cable disruption. The country’s government claims that ‘accidental’ submarine cable cuts are part of China’s ‘Grey Zone activities’ in the waters around Taiwan, aimed at deliberately destabilising the country without provoking direct conflict.

Submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands have been severely damaged, sparking concern in Taipei. Authorities suspect China intentionally damaged them. Taiwanese authorities have reported that the submarine cables connecting Taiwan with the Matsu Islands,