Richard Sanders
Taiwan has unveiled a new international framework aimed at bolstering the security of undersea communication cables, which are vital for global connectivity. The initiative, named the Management Initiative on International Undersea Cables or “RISK,” focuses on risk mitigation, information sharing, systemic reform, and knowledge building to protect these critical infrastructure elements.
During a seminar in Taipei titled “Taiwan-Europe Subsea Cable Security Cooperation Forum,” Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized Taiwan’s strategic importance in global communications. He pointed out that the country’s position on important undersea routes exposes it to risks of cable disruptions, which have occurred due to damage to cables connecting its outlying islands. Lin underscored that resilience must be built through collective planning and cooperation, framing the initiative as a call for global partnership rather than a national project.
European Parliament member Rihards Kols highlighted the significance of undersea cables, noting that there are over 600 operational or planned to be laid, stretching nearly 1.5 million kilometers worldwide. “These cables are not just lines of data—they represent the nervous system of democratic connectivity,” he said. Kols also warned of recent incidents, particularly in the Baltic region, which he believes were acts of sabotage, emphasizing the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure.
Recognizing Taiwan’s critical role in the Indo-Pacific region’s digital infrastructure, Kols called for increased collaboration. He proposed leveraging drone technology to monitor undersea cables and suggested that the EU and Taiwan could work together on research and innovation initiatives. The RISK project aims to facilitate cooperation through research, the exchange of best practices, and strategic dialogue, supporting broader efforts like the EU’s “Readiness 2030” plan for military capabilities.
Despite its relatively small size, Taiwan is an important partner for Europe, ranking as the EU’s 13th-largest trading partner. The seminar was organized by Taiwan’s Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a cross-party group of European legislators, highlighting Taiwan’s call for unified global action in safeguarding undersea cable infrastructure crucial to international communication and security.
