U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), both members of the Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Taiwan’s undersea communication cables. The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act seeks to address concerns over sabotage and interference attributed to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“We can’t stand idle as China ramps up its tactics to isolate Taiwan, including by sabotaging its vital undersea cables,” said Senator Curtis. “By improving systems monitoring and helping increase cable resiliency, our bipartisan legislation sends a clear message: the United States stands with Taiwan and our allies in defending shared infrastructure, sovereignty, and freedom.”
Senator Rosen added, “The Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing efforts to target Taiwan’s undersea cable infrastructure don’t just threaten Taiwan’s national security, but connectivity and communication around the world. Senator Curtis and I are introducing this bipartisan legislation to bolster collaboration between our two nations in order to protect these underground cables and impose sanctions on any adversary that targets this critical infrastructure. I will continue to push back on China’s growing aggression, and its attempts to undermine democracy.”
Undersea cables are crucial for internet access, economic activity, communication, and military coordination. Recent years have seen several incidents involving damage or disruption to cables near Taiwan. In February 2023, two of Taiwan’s internet cables were cut near the Matsu Islands in an event linked to suspicious vessel activity. Further incidents occurred in January 2025 when Chunghwa Telecom reported cable damage connected with a Chinese-linked cargo ship; authorities later seized another ship suspected of sabotage. Since 2023, there have been at least 11 cases of cable disruptions around Taiwan.
The proposed act directs the Secretary of State—working with other government agencies—to create an initiative focused on strengthening the resilience and protection of undersea cables close to Taiwan.
Additional Utah offices will be opening soon according to updates from Senator Curtis’ office.
