Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Protect Taiwan's Undersea Communication Cables from China's "Gray Zone" Tactics

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting Taiwan's critical communication infrastructure from malicious activities by the Chinese Communist Party. The legislation seeks to bolster collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan to safeguard the country's undersea communication cables, which have been repeatedly targeted by China for sabotage to undermine Taiwan's security and sovereignty. The senators emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party's actions threaten not only Taiwan's national security but also global connectivity and communication.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act is a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting Taiwan's undersea communication cables from China's "gray zone" tactics.
  • The legislation targets the Chinese Communist Party's malicious activities, including undercover sabotage, which have repeatedly threatened Taiwan's security and sovereignty.
  • The bill aims to improve systems and increase cable resiliency, sending a message that the United States stands with Taiwan and its allies in defending shared infrastructure, sovereignty, and freedom.
  • Senator Jacky Rosen has prioritized strengthening the U.S.--Taiwan partnership, introducing several bills to enhance joint cyber defense efforts, defense, and supply chain cooperation.
  • Senator Rosen has been a consistent leader in pushing back against authoritarian influence, including the Chinese Communist Party's actions.

Statistics:

  • The U.S.--Taiwan partnership has been strengthened through several bipartisan bills, including the Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act, which enhances joint cyber defense efforts.
  • Taiwan's undersea communication cables have been repeatedly targeted by China for sabotage, highlighting the need for increased resiliency and protection.
  • The Chinese Communist Party's actions have threatened Taiwan's security and sovereignty, as well as global connectivity and communication.

Sources:

Washinton D.C., Press Release, Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen Office (2023)

"Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act Introduced to Protect Against China's 'Gray Zone' Tactics"

https://www.senaterosen.com/releases/taiwan-undersea-cable-resilience-initiative-act-introduced-to-protect-against-chinas-gray-zone-tactics/