Taiwan Launches Global Initiative to Strengthen Undersea Cable Security

Taiwan has unveiled a new international initiative aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of global undersea cable networks, following a series of disruptions affecting digital connectivity worldwide.
The Management Initiative on International Undersea Cables, known by its acronym RISK (Risk mitigation, Information sharing, Systemic reform, and Knowledge building), was launched by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung during the Taiwan-Europe Subsea Cable Security Cooperation Forum in Taipei.
Lin said Taiwan’s experiences with cable disruptions have underscored the urgent need for international cooperation. “Resilience cannot be taken for granted — it must be built through planning, implementation, and collaboration,” he said, describing the project as an open and inclusive global partnership to ensure secure and uninterrupted data flows.
European Parliament member Rihards Kols emphasized the global stakes, noting that undersea cables — more than 600 spanning nearly 1.5 million kilometers — form “the nervous system of democratic connectivity.” He highlighted recent sabotage incidents in Europe and urged cooperation with Taiwan, suggesting the use of drone technologies to monitor and protect subsea infrastructure.
The initiative seeks to align international standards, promote best practices, and position Taiwan as a trusted partner in the global effort to safeguard digital infrastructure.