Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs announced on Wednesday that the undersea cables connecting the Matsu Islands, located near the coast of China, were disconnected because of "natural deterioration." As a result, backup communication systems were put in place.

The two cables that connect Matsu to the main Taiwan island were cut off earlier on Wednesday, according to government authorities, but they should be reconnected before the end of February. Backup communication systems, including microwave communications, have been activated, which may allow internet services to partially resume on the islands, home to around 14,000 people. Deputy Digital Minister Chiueh Herming informed reporters in a briefing that no "suspicious" ships were detected when the cables went offline. He said "natural deterioration" was the likely cause, but added cases of ships damaging Taiwan's sea cables were on the rise in recent years. 

Chiueh mentioned that Taiwan has reported four cases of sea cable malfunctions in 2025 so far, compared to three cases each in 2024 and 2023. These disruptions to undersea cables are a major concern for Taiwan, especially since the country has often raised alarms about "grey zone" activities by China around the island. These activities are aimed at pressuring Taiwan without direct conflict, such as balloon overflights and sand dredging. A Chinese-affiliated ship was accused of destroying a cable north of Taiwan, which China considers its own territory, last month. The ship's owner has denied any participation, and China's government has said Taiwan was fabricating charges before the facts were known. 

Taiwan, which does not accept Beijing's claim over its sovereignty, stated after the incident that it will send its navy if necessary to assist the coast guard in dealing with any suspicious activity near undersea communication cables. In 2023, two undersea cables connecting the Matsu islands were cut, causing an internet disruption. Taiwan's authorities said two Chinese ships were responsible for the damage, but there was no proof that China intentionally tampered with the cables. Since then, Taiwan has been working on improving its communication systems for emergencies, including a trial program to use low-Earth orbit satellites to help remote areas like Matsu.