Taiwan has passed sweeping legal amendments to sharply increase penalties for damaging its undersea cables, a move aimed at deterring what officials say is a rise in deliberate sabotage linked to Beijing’s “grey-zone” pressure tactics.
The new laws raise the maximum prison term for intentional cable damage to seven years and allow authorities to seize any vessel or equipment used in the act.
Taiwan will impose jail sentences of up to 7 years for intentionally damaging undersea cables, which are essential parts of the country's power and internet infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/uccKNv1DO0
— TaiwanPlus News (@taiwanplusnews) December 9, 2025
Ships must now keep their tracking systems on, and suspicious vessels can be detained or barred from ports.
The amendments also extend penalties to natural gas facilities and underwater pipelines and clarify distinctions between negligence and deliberate harm.
#Taiwan’s Legislature has passed amendments to the “seven undersea cable laws,” expanding vessel confiscation powers and aims to deter foreign “dark ships” linked to repeated cable disruptions.
— Radio Taiwan International (@RadioTaiwan_Eng) December 9, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/ZpN228ofEB pic.twitter.com/gda9KEE1TI
Taiwan says cable disruptions have climbed in recent years and point to a broader pattern of Chinese coercion, including naval activity and cyberattacks. Beijing has denied involvement, calling the incidents routine maritime accidents.
Analysts warn Taiwan’s limited cables and heavy maritime traffic make the island especially vulnerable to hybrid attacks.
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