A bipartisan bill aimed at protecting Taiwan’s undersea communication cables from suspected Chinese interference was introduced in the US senate on Wednesday, reported ANI citing the Taipei Times.The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act, sponsored by Republican senator John Curtis and Democratic senator Jacky Rosen, both members of the senate foreign relations committee, calls on the US government to help boost the resilience of cables near Taiwan. The bill proposes actions such as deploying real-time monitoring systems, developing rapid-response protocols, enhancing maritime surveillance and promoting international cooperation to prevent sabotage.The initiative comes amid growing concerns over what the senators described as China’s “grey zone tactics,” ambiguous or unconventional actions used to gain strategic advantages without triggering open conflict. A press release accompanying the bill noted that since February 2023, at least 11 undersea cable disruptions have occurred near Taiwan, with many suspected to be deliberate and linked to certain vessels.Senator Curtis said as quoted by the Taipei Times, “We can’t stand idle as China ramps up its tactics to isolate Taiwan, including by sabotaging its vital undersea cables.” He added that strengthening Taiwan’s cable defenses would show the US’ commitment to protecting shared infrastructure, sovereignty, and freedom.Alongside the cable bill, another piece of legislation, the Taiwan International Solidarity Act was introduced. Co-sponsored by senator Curtis and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, the bill seeks to clarify that UN general assembly resolution 2758 does not prevent the US from opposing efforts to diminish Taiwan’s global presence.The legislation encourages cooperation with allies to push back against China’s diplomatic efforts to isolate Taiwan. The Taipei Times reported that a similar bill passed in the house of representatives in May, introduced by Democratic representative Gerry Connolly and Republican representative Young Kim. A version of the bill had also passed the House in 2023 but was not taken up by the Senate.Both newly introduced bills must be approved by the senate and House before they can be signed into law by the president.Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, transferred China’s seat at the UN from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China, effectively barring Taiwan from participating in UN bodies due to its lack of formal recognition.
