Washington, April 3 (NationPress) - A bipartisan coalition of US legislators has revealed plans to introduce a new law aimed at safeguarding Taiwan's critical undersea cables and infrastructure. This initiative arises in response to escalating threats posed by China, highlighting potential dangers to global communication networks and economic stability.

The proposed Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act seeks to enhance monitoring, rapid response capabilities, and international collaboration to protect essential networks that connect Taiwan with the rest of the world.

This bill was brought forth in the House by Representatives Mike Lawler, Dave Min, and Greg Stanton, with a corresponding version being presented in the Senate by Senators John Curtis and Jacky Rosen. Notably, the Senate draft has already passed an important markup by the Foreign Relations Committee.

According to lawmakers, the legislation emphasizes the deployment of sophisticated monitoring systems capable of detecting disruptions or acts of sabotage in real-time. It also aims to bolster early warning mechanisms through global intelligence-sharing networks. Additionally, it lays out protocols for rapid responses to repair compromised infrastructure and minimize downtime.

“Undersea infrastructure is fundamental to global communications and economic stability. As threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) increase, it is essential for the United States to take the lead in ensuring that these systems remain protected, resilient, and secure,” stated Lawler. He noted that this bill would aid in “deterring sabotage, enabling swift responses to disruptions, and demonstrating unwavering support for Taiwan and our allies in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The legislation, among other provisions, calls for enhanced maritime awareness around Taiwan, which includes joint patrols and surveillance efforts with the US Coast Guard in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. It aims to strengthen coordination with allies to improve regional resilience.

A significant element of the bill is the establishment of a Cross-Strait Contingency Planning Group. This group would conduct scenario-based drills, identify vulnerabilities within supply chains and infrastructure, and formulate coordinated contingency plans with partners.

Lawmakers characterized this legislation as a countermeasure to what they refer to as “gray zone” tactics employed by China.

“China’s ongoing sabotage of Taiwan’s undersea cables is not incidental; it forms part of a calculated strategy to isolate a democratic partner,” warned Min. He emphasized that Taiwan’s communication systems are crucial not only for its security but also for “global commerce and regional stability.”

Stanton added that the infrastructure is essential for US economic interests as well. “The PRC has been strategically targeting this infrastructure as part of a gray zone campaign to isolate Taiwan without resorting to military action,” he remarked, asserting that the bill would impose “real consequences on those found responsible for acts of sabotage.”

The proposed legislation also includes sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for damaging undersea systems that impact Taiwan and US allies. It advocates for intensified diplomatic pressure on China to comply with international standards, while also promoting public awareness regarding such threats.

“We cannot remain passive as China escalates its efforts to isolate Taiwan,” Curtis declared, emphasizing that the bill would enhance monitoring and resilience while signaling US support for Taiwan and its allies.

Rosen highlighted that the targeting of undersea cables poses threats not only to Taiwan’s national security but also to global connectivity and communication, stressing the urgency for closer cooperation to protect this critical infrastructure.