China Severs Undersea Cable While Maintaining a Daily 2.4M Cyberattacks on Taiwan

China’s aggressive tactics against Taiwan continue to escalate. Recently, a Chinese freighter severed an undersea cable near Keelung Harbor, significantly disrupting international telecommunications.

The event is just one of many instances of China testing Taiwan’s resilience using “gray-zone” tactics that blur the lines between peace and war. While island nation’s telecom infrastructure is resilient, with backup systems in place, such acts remain provocative and are seen as part of China’s ongoing strategy to pressure it. Notably, the incident took place on the heels of increased cyberattacks on the island, raising concerns over Taiwan’s cybersecurity preparedness.

Rising Cyberattacks Deepen Strategic Pressure on Taiwan

In 2024, Taiwan experienced a staggering 2.4 million cyberattacks daily, a sharp increase from 1.2 million in 2023. These attacks, attributed mainly to Chinese cyber forces, targeted key sectors such as telecommunications, transportation, and defense.

China’s strategic focus has been clear: to disrupt  the nation’s infrastructure and sow fear of further military aggression. In fact, similar attacks were coordinated with China’s military exercises around Taiwan, further intensifying the pressure. This ongoing cyber warfare adds a complex layer to Taiwan’s national security challenges.

China’s Escalating Gray-Zone Tactics

The recent cable-cutting incident is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of China’s gray-zone strategies against Taiwan. In 2022, Chinese vessels were involved in severing undersea cables near the Matsu Islands, causing significant disruptions. This is just one example of the increasing maritime sabotage that Taiwan has had to contend with over the years.

Furthermore, cyberattacks targeting Taiwan’s government and critical infrastructure have become a regular occurrence. Back in September 2022, Taiwan was preparing for a potential cyber war against China. According to reports, Taiwan was ramping up its cybersecurity defenses, fearing China’s escalating cyber capabilities. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau has acknowledged the growing sophistication of these attacks, which include Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) campaigns and attempts at stealing sensitive government data.

In response, Taiwan sought external support, notably from the U.S., in December 2023, to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. As the pressure from China mounts, Taiwan’s push for U.S. aid underscores the growing urgency to bolster defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks and maritime threats. The growing collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan on cybersecurity is critical, as it provides Taiwan with much-needed resources to counter China’s digital incursions.