The laws aim to prevent foreign vessels from falsifying their identities, concealing sailing routes, severing undersea cables and engaging in other illegal activities, said the Executive Yuan, which proposed the amendments. Those who damage meteorological facilities, undersea cables or other infrastructure face fines ranging from NT$2 million to NT$100 million, depending on the offense. The measures were introduced after several incidents last year involving foreign vessels severing undersea cables or lingering in Taiwan’s offshore waters, raising national security concerns. Under the Commercial Port Act amendments, port operators, the Maritime and Port Bureau or designated authorities may order vessels to leave a commercial port within three months or relocate if their presence interferes with berth scheduling or port safety. The remaining five amended laws, including to the Meteorological Act, target those who steal, damage or unlawfully interfere with facilities related to meteorology, undersea cables, power generation, natural gas or water supply.
