Taipei: Taiwan's government has launched a global initiative to enhance the security of undersea cables, following reports of disruptions near Taiwan and worldwide. The Management Initiative on International Undersea Cables aims to unite stakeholders, align standards, and promote best practices, as announced by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung at a seminar in Taipei.

According to Focus Taiwan, the initiative, known as "RISK" (risk mitigation, information sharing, systemic reform, and knowledge building), was introduced during the "Taiwan-Europe Subsea Cable Security Cooperation Forum." Lin emphasized Taiwan's strategic position on the global communications map, with several major international undersea cables passing through or near the country. Past disruptions have highlighted the need for resilience, which must be achieved through planning, implementation, and cooperation.

Lin described the project as a global partnership rather than a national endeavor, urging worldwide stakeholders to join. He emphasized that the platform is open, inclusive, and collaborative, aiming to secure a future where data flows freely and securely, treating connectivity as a public good rather than a geopolitical tool.

At the seminar, European Parliament member Rihards Kols noted the existence of over 600 operational or planned cables worldwide, which form the nervous system of democratic connectivity. He highlighted incidents between 2023 and 2025 affecting energy lines and undersea cables in the Baltic region, suggesting possible sabotage. Kols underscored Taiwan's strategic role in global connectivity and its experience with persistent pressures, asserting Taiwan's importance in the global conversation on security.

The seminar was organized by the Taipei-based Research Institute for Democracy Society and Emerging Technology, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Formosa Club, a group of European legislators supportive of Taiwan.