Philippines Defies Beijing With Taiwan Cable Pact
Manila and Taipei to share intelligence on undersea cable security in the Bashi Channel.
The Philippines is pursuing closer collaboration with Taiwan to safeguard undersea communications cables, despite its official recognition of Beijing under the one-China policy. The initiative aims to address growing concerns over maritime security in the region, particularly around the Bashi Channel.
Felipe F. Carino III, Manila’s deputy chief of mission in Washington, disclosed the discussions during a seminar organized by the Center for a New American Security. He emphasized the strategic importance of undersea cables, which transmit nearly all intercontinental data, noting that 60% to 67% of cyber incidents occur in the region.
Practical Cooperation Amid Diplomatic Constraints: Taiwan
Carino stated that both sides are exploring knowledge-sharing and capacity-building measures to counter “gray-zone” activities, tactics that fall short of direct military confrontation but apply pressure in disputed areas. While he did not provide specifics, he suggested that joint patrols or accountability mechanisms for vessels disrupting communications could emerge as the cooperation develops.
The diplomat underscored that these efforts proceed “notwithstanding our one-China policy,” reflecting Manila’s balancing act between diplomatic recognition of Beijing and pragmatic engagement with Taipei.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and shares overlapping maritime claims with the Philippines in the South China Sea, has warned Manila to adhere to the one-China principle. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the Philippines to demonstrate compliance through “concrete actions,” echoing similar warnings directed at Taiwan.
Regional Tensions and Beijing’s Response
Recent incidents have heightened concerns. Earlier this month, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed its largest vessel and an aircraft to monitor a Chinese research ship operating near northern Batanes province, an area critical to undersea cable routes. Taiwan has also taken steps to secure its infrastructure, including jailing a Chinese ship captain over cable damage and investing in uncrewed surveillance systems.
Andrea Yang, Taiwan’s deputy representative in the U.S., called for international mechanisms under the United Nations to address interference with undersea cables, framing it as a matter of preventing “bad behavior” in shared waters.
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