To strengthen the protection of submarine cables, conduits and pipelines, the Executive Yuan on Thursday approved draft amendments to seven laws: the Telecommunications Management Act, Electricity Act, Natural Gas Enterprise Act, Water Supply Act, Meteorological Act, Commercial Port Law, and Law of Ships. The Executive Yuan's Office of Homeland Security also presented a report outlining how the amendments aim to safeguard undersea infrastructure, ensure vital public services and enhance national security. The proposed legislation will now be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation.
Premier Cho Jung-tai said that the protection of undersea infrastructure is crucial to maintaining essential domestic services—such as communications, electricity, water and gas—and safeguarding national security. He noted that since the start of 2025, numerous violations by vessels operating under flags of convenience have damaged Taiwan's undersea communication cables, posing serious threats to homeland and critical infrastructure security. The amendments will not only define categories of violations but also designate negligent acts as punishable offenses, thereby strengthening the legal basis for enforcement, increasing liability for offenders and raising enforcement efficiency. In addition, the changes will include provisions for seizing vessels and equipment used in such unlawful activities.