Taiwan enhances security measures to protect crucial submarine cables

On April 28, 2025, Taiwan established a platform aimed at coordinating responses to disruptions of undersea cables, reflecting the country's commitment to improving resilience against threats. This initiative was launched in Pingtung County, a region critical for submarine cable landings. The meeting, initiated by the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) and convened by the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, included representatives from various agencies such as the Coast Guard and Chunghwa Telecom. The platform is designed to allow law enforcement agencies to work together to combat criminal activities targeting these crucial infrastructures. Pingtung County's significance as a landing site for submarine cables provides it with an urgent need for a dedicated mechanism to respond to cable-related incidents. According to the OAC, submarine cables are vital for Taiwan's digital infrastructure and economy, and have experienced multiple disruptions this year, attributed to foreign ships, particularly those linked to China. OAC Minister Kuan Bi-ling emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the government will not permit foreign aggressions to exploit Taiwan's vulnerabilities through cable disruptions. Taiwan's initiative marks the first focused effort on maritime infrastructure security in the country. By adopting this approach, Taiwan aims not only to fortify its defenses against potential threats but also to enhance overall societal resilience. The OAC plans for this new platform to serve as a model for other municipal governments in Taiwan, potentially leading to a more robust nationwide framework for addressing maritime security. Taiwan's proactive stance on protecting its underwater infrastructure comes amidst increasing geopolitical tensions in the region. The government acknowledges the strategic importance of submarine cables, not just for telecommunications but as critical links in the global digital economy, further underlining the necessity of this initiative for national security and digital sovereignty.