U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the United States’ position on Taiwan during a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing that the U.S. “does not support” Taiwan’s independence and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the cross-Strait issue.
This marked the first official exchange between Rubio and Wang, and the discussion underscored the sensitive nature of Taiwan’s status, a longstanding point of contention in U.S.-China relations.
Wang Yi firmly reiterated China’s stance, asserting that “Taiwan has been part of China’s territory since ancient times,” and stressed that Beijing would “never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland.”
Rubio’s remarks reflect Washington’s long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity under the Taiwan Relations Act, maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan while acknowledging Beijing’s “One China” principle. However, the U.S. has consistently urged that any resolution between China and Taiwan be achieved peacefully and in a manner acceptable to both sides.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with increased military activity in the Taiwan Strait and growing international concern about the potential for conflict. Rubio expressed hope for dialogue and mutual understanding, while Wang Yi cautioned against actions that could exacerbate the situation.
Taiwan Blacklists Chinese-Owned ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships Amid Rising Security Concerns
Meanwhile, Taiwan has blacklisted 52 Chinese-owned ships that operate under flags of convenience as part of an effort to regulate a rapidly expanding “shadow fleet” that poses increasing global security risks. The move follows the severing of a subsea communications cable near Taiwan earlier this month, allegedly by a Chinese-owned freighter, and reflects growing fears over the use of these vessels in covert operations against the island.
The shadow fleet has gained notoriety for evading international oversight through deceptive practices such as using multiple identities and alternating maritime mobile service identities (MMSIs). While much international attention has focused on Russia’s use of these vessels to circumvent sanctions, Taipei has identified additional risks tied to Beijing’s strategic ambitions. Taiwan’s officials are concerned that China could deploy shadow fleet ships in “gray zone” operations—activities that fall short of outright war but destabilize the island’s security.
Taipei’s crackdown targets vessels flagged under countries like Cameroon, Tanzania, Mongolia, Togo, and Sierra Leone, where ship registration processes often lack stringent safety and regulatory standards. A Taiwanese coastguard official described the urgency of this action, stating, “The cable-cutting incident reminded us of the risks posed by substandard vessels. It is a risk to all coastal states, and we must fulfill our responsibility as a port state. Moreover, we face an additional risk from China.”
The Taiwanese government, unable to join the Tokyo MOU maritime safety group due to opposition from Beijing, obtained its blacklist through unofficial channels and narrowed it to ships owned by entities in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Of the 52 vessels identified, 15 were deemed threats due to their extended presence in Taiwanese waters over the past year. Among these, one vessel was flagged as a “high threat,” with several others categorized as posing medium or lower levels of risk.
Last week, Taiwanese coastguards inspected the Bao Shun, a 20-year-old freighter flagged under Mongolia and owned by a Hong Kong company. This vessel, which had lingered near Taiwan for two months, was classified as a medium threat. Although the inspection revealed no contraband or evidence of cable-cutting equipment, authorities ordered the ship to leave Taiwanese waters. As of Sunday, the Bao Shun was reported to be drifting 27 nautical miles outside Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port.
The January 3 cable-cutting incident further underscored the risks posed by shadow fleet vessels. A Cameroon-flagged freighter identified as the likely culprit had repeatedly crisscrossed the area near critical subsea communications infrastructure. According to tracking data, the vessel alternated between different MMSIs and names, even briefly assuming the identity of another ship. Maritime analysts describe such practices as routine among shadow fleet vessels, which aim to conceal illicit activities.
Elizabeth Braw, a maritime security expert at the Atlantic Council, noted that Russia’s use of shadow fleets to evade sanctions has emboldened other operators. “Russia has shown that you can operate vessels in violation of international regulations without consequences,” she said. This trend has led to an increase in aging ships being repurposed for shadow fleet operations, as owners opt to forgo repairs and regulatory compliance to save costs.
Taiwanese officials have observed a sharp rise in shadow fleet activity in regional waters over the past two years. Many of these vessels transport frozen food and miscellaneous small cargo, often relying on smaller shuttles to transfer goods at sea. Their operations avoid traditional port stops and regular inspections, creating safety hazards and heightening security risks.
