China Accuses Taiwanese Citizens of Leading Undersea Cable Smuggling Plot

China said two Taiwanese citizens led a smuggling scheme that caused damage to undersea cables near Taiwan. The claim was made on December 24, 2025, by officials in Weihai, a city in China’s Shandong province. The case links to a ship that hit cables in February this year. The issue has raised new tension between Beijing and Taipei. The main keyword for this article is “undersea cables.”

Officials said the two men managed a multi‑vessel smuggling ring. They said the ships brought frozen goods into China. The report followed interviews with seven Chinese crew members. The case had already drawn wide attention in Taiwan after the ship’s captain was sentenced this summer.

China’s Findings on the Undersea Cables Case

According to Reuters, a Taiwanese court jailed the captain of the Togo‑flagged Hong Tai 58 for three years in June. The court ruled that the captain damaged the undersea cables on purpose. Taiwan said the damage was a serious threat to national security.

China now says the real leaders were two Taiwanese men. They have the surnames Chien and Chen. Chinese officials say both men have been wanted for smuggling since 2014. The Weihai public security bureau also set a reward of up to 250,000 yuan for any information.

Beijing said the men used several ships for illegal trade. The ships carried frozen products from Taiwan to China. The Hong Tai 58 was part of this network. Officials claim the cable damage happened during a smuggling run.

China has accused Taiwan of trying to use the case for political gain. It said Taiwan “hyped up” the issue before a full probe was done. Beijing also said Taipei ignored key facts. These claims have added new strain to cross‑strait ties.

Impact on Cross-Strait Relations and Ongoing Tensions

The Taiwan Affairs Office repeated its view that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party is stirring conflict. It said Taiwan is “sheltering” the suspects. It argued that Taipei used the cable case to push a political agenda.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council did not reply to questions from the press. But Taiwan has long said it does not trust China’s investigations. Taipei says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. China insists Taiwan is part of its territory.

The damaged undersea cables caused service issues for parts of Taiwan earlier this year. The cables are key to Taiwan’s telecom network. The case has raised fears over safety at sea. It also comes at a time of growing military and political pressure from China.

The two sides remain far apart on security and legal cooperation. Experts say this case may add more tension. They warn that similar disputes may rise as cross‑strait ties remain fragile.

The undersea cables case has become another flashpoint between China and Taiwan. The dispute shows how fast simple incidents can spark wider conflict. Many fear more trouble ahead as the two sides remain divided.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are undersea cables in this case?

They are telecom cables that link parts of Taiwan. They were damaged by a ship in February. The damage caused service issues for users.

Q2: Who does China blame for the smuggling ring?

China blames two Taiwanese men. Officials say they ran a network of ships that moved frozen goods into China.

Q3: Why was the Hong Tai 58 captain jailed?

A Taiwanese court ruled he damaged the cables on purpose. The captain was sentenced to three years in prison. The ruling came in June.

Q4: How has Taiwan responded to China’s claims?

Taiwan has not given a full reply. But its government often rejects China’s accusations. It says China uses such cases for political pressure.

Q5: Why does this case matter for cross-strait ties?

The case adds pressure to already tense relations. It also raises security concerns at sea. Both sides see it through a political lens.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News