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Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China may block Taiwan's undersea cable repairs in conflict: Report
Taiwan 's internet connectivity could be severely hit if China decides to block or delay undersea cable repair missions in the event of a Taiwan Strait conflict, Taipei News reported, citing a detailed assessment by US-based intelligence firm Recorded Future. The report, published by Recorded Future's research arm Insikt Group, has warned that more than 90 per cent of Taiwan's internet traffic flows through submarine cables. In the event of a military escalation or crisis, Chinese authorities, especially the China Coast Guard , could prevent repair vessels from accessing damaged links, the report said, citing recent incidents in the South China Sea . According to Taipei News, Insikt's findings are based on China's repeated interference with resupply missions by the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, particularly near Second Thomas Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, and Sabina Shoal. The report suggests that Beijing may replicate similar strategies to target Taiwan's digital infrastructure without directly engaging in combat. The concern is not new. Earlier this year, on January 15, a fibre-optic cable connecting Taiwan to the outlying Matsu Islands, Taiwan-Matsu No. 3, was damaged. The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Taipei attributed the disruption to "natural deterioration," but suspicions of Chinese involvement had surfaced at the time, according to Taipei News. Chunghwa Telecom completed the repair work in March. Taipei News further quoted the report as saying that these types of incidents, although subtle, form part of what experts describe as "grey zone" tactics, provocative actions designed to intimidate or weaken an opponent without crossing into open war. Between 2024 and 2025, five incidents involving submarine cable damage were reported around Taiwan, and four similar cases occurred in the Baltic Sea, according to the report. Out of these, five were caused by ships dragging anchors, four of which were linked to China or Russia, either directly or through opaque ownership. Recorded Future highlighted that China's growing role in owning and operating submarine cable infrastructure globally adds another layer of risk. With the help of state-backed companies and its "Digital Silk Road" initiative, China now has influence over cable deployment, management, and data access, raising concerns among democracies worldwide, as per Taipei News. The Taipei News report quoted the researchers, "Geopolitical tensions, namely, Russia's war in Ukraine and China's assertive actions towards Taiwan, are likely behind the rise in cable sabotage incidents." The report also said that China's preparations for a possible military move on Taiwan could involve deliberate damage to submarine cables to disrupt connectivity, trade, and communications.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China may block Taiwan's undersea cable repairs in conflict: Report
Taiwan's internet connectivity could be severely hit if China decides to block or delay undersea cable repair missions in the event of a Taiwan Strait conflict, Taipei News reported, citing a detailed assessment by US-based intelligence firm Recorded Future. The report, published by Recorded Future's research arm Insikt Group, has warned that more than 90 per cent of Taiwan's internet traffic flows through submarine cables. In the event of a military escalation or crisis, Chinese authorities, especially the China Coast Guard , could prevent repair vessels from accessing damaged links, the report said, citing recent incidents in the South China Sea . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare Management Project Management Data Analytics Public Policy Finance PGDM MCA Design Thinking Healthcare Technology Operations Management Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Data Science Product Management CXO MBA Degree Others others Cybersecurity Leadership Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details According to Taipei News, Insikt's findings are based on China's repeated interference with resupply missions by the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, particularly near Second Thomas Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, and Sabina Shoal. The report suggests that Beijing may replicate similar strategies to target Taiwan's digital infrastructure without directly engaging in combat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Electric SUVs Come with Tiny Price Tags (Take a Look) CommonSearches | Search Ads Undo The concern is not new. Earlier this year, on January 15, a fibre-optic cable connecting Taiwan to the outlying Matsu Islands, Taiwan-Matsu No. 3, was damaged. The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Taipei attributed the disruption to "natural deterioration," but suspicions of Chinese involvement had surfaced at the time, according to Taipei News. Chunghwa Telecom completed the repair work in March. Taipei News further quoted the report as saying that these types of incidents, although subtle, form part of what experts describe as "grey zone" tactics, provocative actions designed to intimidate or weaken an opponent without crossing into open war. Live Events Between 2024 and 2025, five incidents involving submarine cable damage were reported around Taiwan, and four similar cases occurred in the Baltic Sea, according to the report. Out of these, five were caused by ships dragging anchors, four of which were linked to China or Russia, either directly or through opaque ownership. Recorded Future highlighted that China's growing role in owning and operating submarine cable infrastructure globally adds another layer of risk. With the help of state-backed companies and its "Digital Silk Road" initiative, China now has influence over cable deployment, management, and data access, raising concerns among democracies worldwide, as per Taipei News. The Taipei News report quoted the researchers, "Geopolitical tensions, namely, Russia's war in Ukraine and China's assertive actions towards Taiwan, are likely behind the rise in cable sabotage incidents." The report also said that China's preparations for a possible military move on Taiwan could involve deliberate damage to submarine cables to disrupt connectivity, trade, and communications.
India.com
18-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Russia and China planning major undersea attack? The countries under threat are...; new report reveals shocking details...
The danger of cable disruption backed by Russia and China is expected to increase, as evidenced by recent events in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan, according to a new report. Submarine cables, which carry approximately 99% of global intercontinental internet traffic, have been affected by a handful of suspicious incidents over the past year and a half. They are believed to involve suspected state support. A report issued by U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Recorded Future found nine individual events in the Baltic Sea and along Taiwan's coast in 2024 and 2025 that could represent early signs of planned actions that are purposeful and disruptive. The report concluded that while most undersea cable disruptions are still likely incidental in nature, the pattern of events in these regions points to a rising threat of intentional interference, with Russia and China emerging as key suspects behind the activity. 'Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise,' the company was quoted as saying by The Guardian. The report encompasses many notable incidents, such as the severing of two undersea cables between Lithuania and Sweden in the Baltic Sea in November 2024, as reported by The Guardian. Investigators determined that an anchor from a Chinese ship damaged the cables. In another case, a Russian oil tanker was detained after cutting cables between Finland and Estonia in December. In the area of Taiwan, there were multiple incidents in the last 18 months that raised questions as well. In February, a freighter crewed by Chinese made damage to cables between Taiwan and the Penghu Islands by zigzagging repeatedly over the cables. And the month before, a Chinese cargo ship was conclusively identified as likely the cause of damage to a Taiwan–U.S. undersea cable, the report mentioned. 'While it is difficult to definitively attribute recent incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan to state-sponsored sabotage, such operations align with both Russia and China's strategic objectives, recently observed activities, and current deep-sea capabilities,' the report stated, as per The Guardian report. Recorded Future indicated that a coordinated attack that targets multiple undersea cables—which could cause prolonged disruption—would likely take place in the deep sea. Given the complexity of this kind of operation, it would 'very likely involve state-sponsored threat actors,' the report stated. The report also indicated that this kind of sabotage would most likely take place before outright conflict, rather than during open conflict. The cybersecurity company tracked and documented 44 cases of cable damage over the last 18 months. Of those: 25% were anchor dragging, nearly one-third were of unknown cause, and 16% were due to seismic or other natural events.
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Russia And China May Attack Undersea Internet Cables, Report Warns. Which Countries Are At Risk?
The report warned of increasing sabotage threats to undersea internet cables near the Baltic Sea and Taiwan, involving suspected Russian and Chinese actors. The threat of sabotage to undersea internet cables is rising, particularly in regions near the Baltic Sea and Taiwan, according to a new report by US cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. The report warned that incidents involving suspected Russian and Chinese state-linked actors are increasing and could pose serious risks to the global internet infrastructure. Submarine cables carry over 99% of the world's intercontinental data traffic. While many disruptions have historically been caused by accidents or natural events, a growing number of incidents now point to possible state-sponsored interference. The report identified nine significant incidents in 2024 and 2025 involving submarine cables in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan. These include the severing of two cables between Lithuania and Sweden last November, an incident investigators attributed to a Chinese vessel dragging its anchor. In December, a Russian oil tanker was seized after severing cables between Finland and Estonia. In waters near Taiwan, a Chinese-crewed freighter was reported to have cut cables to the outlying Penghu Islands in February after repeatedly manoeuvring in a zigzag pattern over the cable routes. A month earlier, a Chinese-owned cargo ship was cited as the likely cause of damage to a Taiwan-US cable. 'Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise," the report warned. Recorded Future said that while it is difficult to definitively attribute recent incidents to state-sponsored sabotage, the activities 'align with both Russia and China's strategic objectives, recently observed activities and current deep-sea capabilities." The report warned that a highly disruptive attack on multiple deep-sea cables- requiring access to difficult-to-reach areas of the ocean floor- would almost certainly involve state-sponsored actors. Such an operation, the report said, would most likely take place shortly before the outbreak of any open conflict. Major Global Disruptions Happened Elsewhere Despite the increased activity around the Baltic and Taiwan, the most severe disruptions to global connectivity occurred in other regions. In February 2024, a Houthi missile strike in the Red Sea led a ship to drag its anchor across several cables, causing widespread network disruptions in the Middle East. A month later, an underwater rock slide in West Africa damaged cables and in May, a cable-dragging incident off the coast of South Africa triggered further outages. Which Countries Are Most Vulnerable? The report identified certain vulnerable European island nations- including Malta, Cyprus and Ireland- whose reliance on submarine cables for international communication makes them more exposed to potential disruption. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 19:13 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Guardian
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Risk of undersea cable attacks backed by Russia and China likely to rise, report warns
The risk of Russia- and China-backed attacks on undersea cables carrying international internet traffic is likely to rise amid a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan, according to a report. Submarine cables account for 99% of the world's intercontinental data traffic and have been affected by incidents with suspected state support over the past 18 months. Analysis by Recorded Future, a US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity. The report said that while genuine accidents remained likely to cause most undersea cable disruption, the Baltic and Taiwanese incidents pointed to increased malicious activity from Russia and China. 'Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise,' the company said. Incidents flagged by the report included the severing of two submarine cables between Lithuania and Sweden in the Baltic Sea last November, which investigators blamed on an anchor dragged by a Chinese vessel. In December a ship carrying Russian oil was seized after it severed cables between Finland and Estonia. Incidents around Taiwan over the past 18 months include a Chinese-crewed freighter cutting cables between the island and its outlying Penghu Islands in February by repeatedly manoeuvring in a zigzag pattern over the cables. The previous month, a Chinese-owned cargo ship was cited as the likely cause of damage to a Taiwan-US cable. The report said: 'While it is difficult to definitively attribute recent incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan to state-sponsored sabotage, such operations align with both Russia and China's strategic objectives, recently observed activities, and current deep-sea capabilities.' Recorded Future said a successful attack on multiple cables – which would cause prolonged disruption – would have to occur in deeper waters and would 'very likely involve state-sponsored threat actors, due to the difficulty of accessing these sites'. Such an operation would probably take place before outright conflict, the report said. Recorded Future identified 44 cable damages over the past 18 months, a quarter caused by 'anchor dragging' and nearly a third by 'unknown causes', with seismic activity or natural phenomena causing 16% of the incidents. Analysts added that damaging subsea cables could be an attractive tactic because it allowed states to target adversaries' infrastructure via an unsophisticated method that could be passed off as an accident or be carried out by vessels without direct links to the attacks' suspected sponsor. Recorded Future said improved monitoring of cables and security measures around subsea infrastructure, as well as comprehensive stress tests, would help prevent an incident damaging multiple cables and causing 'prolonged connectivity issues'. Despite the high-profile Baltic and Taiwan incidents, the three most disruptive incidents were elsewhere: in the Red Sea in February last year when a Houthi missile caused a ship's anchor to hit cables – leading to 'significant impact on communication networks in the Middle East'; in west Africa a month later due to an underwater rock slide; and off the coast of South Africa in May 2024 due to a cable-dragging incident. Recorded Future said the impact of the Red Sea and Africa incidents showed that the most prolonged disruption happened in areas with limited availability of alternative cables and a shortage of repair expertise regardless of the cause of the disruption. Conversely, two attacks in the Baltic Sea in November last year had minimal impact due to spare capacity and Europe's resilient internet infrastructure. However, the report said three EU island member states – Malta, Cyprus and Ireland – were more vulnerable due to their reliance on submarine cables for international communications. The UK government's recent strategic defence review acknowledged the potential threat to the country's subsea cabling and recommended that the Royal Navy takes a 'new leading and coordinating role in securing undersea pipelines, cables, and maritime traffic carrying the information, energy, and goods upon which national life depends'.
