Security News > 2023 > March > China sought control of submarine cables to spy, says Micronesia
The outgoing president of the Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo, penned a lengthy letter last week accusing Beijing of rampant bribery, spying and other tactics - including an attempt to take control of the nation's submarine cables and telecoms infrastructure.
In the letter, Panuelo claimed that the People's Republic of China has instructed its army to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
"Some of the core concepts included China wanting to possess ownership of our ocean resources, and to create a Marine Spatial Plan for its own uses such as for deep-sea mining; control of our fiber optic cables and other telecommunications infrastructure, which would allow them to read our emails and listen to our phone calls," he states in the letter.
"China firmly opposes countries that have diplomatic ties with China engaging in any form of official interaction with the Taiwan region in violation of the one-China principle. On the basis of the one-China principle and in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China stands ready to work with the FSM to enhance friendship and cooperation," said the spokesperson.
According to Panuelo's letter, FSM officials have been told China is simply waiting for the next president to take power before they start pushing some of the agenda he's blocked.
Panuelo has form as an author of scorching letters critical of China.