Taiwan Approves the Connection of Submarine Cable Projects in Mainland China

The Taiwan authorities recently approved the proposal to lay submarine communications cables to connect with mainland China. The project's investment amount was NT$200 million (approximately US$6.94 million), Chunghwa Telecom was the main operator, accounting for 50% of the equity, and the remaining equity was held by three Chinese-funded companies. At present, the cables between Taiwan and China must pass through the third country or region. The cable project that connects directly to Taiwan and China will help reduce costs. The proposed 220-kilometre submarine cable will be connected to the fresh water in the north of Taiwan and Fuzhou in the southeast of mainland China. It is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012.