1. Taiwan Cabinet Approves Amendments to “Seven Submarine Cable Laws

Taiwan’s Cabinet has approved amendments to seven laws covering submarine cables and pipelines after a string of damage incidents raised national security concerns. The changes broaden legal protections for telecom, power, water, gas, and meteorological cables, mandate vessels to keep Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) active, and allow the Coast Guard to block suspicious ships from entering ports. Intentional sabotage now carries up to seven years in prison and fines of NT$10 million, while negligent acts may bring six months’ jail or NT$2 million fines. Vessels or equipment used in crimes may also be confiscated.

2. Taiwan Agriculture Ministry Clarifies U.S. Trade Mission: Soybeans, Corn, Wheat, and Beef Purchases Handled by Industry

Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) dismissed claims that a farm trade mission to the United States was aimed at securing tariff exemptions, stressing the program has been held biennially since 1998. The 15^th delegation, led this year by Minister Chen Jun-ji, includes representatives from industry associations and private companies. Purchases of soybeans, feed corn, wheat, and beef—commodities Taiwan relies heavily on imports for—are arranged and financed by businesses, not the government. In 2024, imports accounted for 99.8% of soybean, 97.5% of corn, 106.6% of wheat, and 95.4% of beef consumption.