The incident mirrors similar alleged China-linked acts in the Baltic Sea over the past year amid elevated hybrid warfare by both Beijing and Moscow. It may have aimed to provide practice for severing Taiwan’s communications -- a key element in an invasion or blockade scenario -- and to stoke divisions in the island’s cross-Strait policy.
Taiwan will seek satellite internet service options excluding China-linked firms, such as industry giant SpaceX.
The island will continue to expand its coast guard assets, having in January launched its 9th Anping-class missile corvette.
Taiwan will attempt to mobilise the public via monetary rewards to bolster security, for example in spotting Chinese ships.
Pressure will grow on governments affected by grey-zone tactics in Europe and Asia to formulate a response that can deter future incidents.
