China Urged to Protect Underwater Cables Amid Fears of Ocean Sabotage

The world’s oceans are home to a growing threat that could have devastating consequences for global connectivity: underwater sabotage. The increasing vulnerability of undersea cables, which carry over 99% of global intercontinental data, has sparked concerns among experts.

These fibre-optic cables are the backbone of modern communication, facilitating international trade and connecting devices worldwide. However, they’re also a tempting target for those who’d seek to disrupt global commerce or steal sensitive information. China, with its critical undersea cable chokepoints in regions such as the Red Sea and the Baltic Sea, has been urged by Shanghai Maritime University law professor Guo Ran to pass laws protecting these vital infrastructure assets.

China introduced the Data Security Law and the Cybersecurity Law in 2022, which focus on data processing and cross-border flows. However, these laws fail to address the physical infrastructure that underpins them. Meanwhile, the seabed remains a largely unregulated environment with little oversight.

Protecting these critical infrastructure assets isn’t just about safeguarding China’s national interests; it’s also an opportunity for Beijing to set a global standard. By passing new laws or updating existing ones, China can demonstrate its commitment to protecting these undersea cables and set a precedent for other nations to follow.

The stakes are high, with catastrophic disruptions to global trade and espionage possible consequences of underwater sabotage. National security is also at risk, particularly in a post-COVID world where supply chains have been strained. China knows better than most what happens when critical links snap, having experienced its own share of supply chain disruptions.

Defining grey areas between traditional maritime law and modern warfare tactics will be a challenge for lawmakers. However, failure to act will only embolden those who seek to exploit vulnerabilities. The question now is whether China will step up to the plate or continue to play catch-up.

As the international community looks on, it’s worth considering what else needs protecting beneath the waves. Climate change and ocean pollution already put immense pressure on marine ecosystems, and adding sabotage of critical infrastructure to the list of worries is a concern. Safeguarding these undersea cables can’t wait in a world where connectivity is key.

China’s approach to cybersecurity and data protection also comes into question when considering its handling of physical infrastructure security. For years, Beijing has pushed the limits on digital surveillance and control but seems less concerned with safeguarding the undersea cables that enable it.

Underwater sabotage isn’t just an isolated issue or a concern for China’s interests; it’s a global problem waiting to happen. As more nations rely on these cables for critical infrastructure needs – including military communications – the risk of catastrophic failure grows.

What we need now from Beijing is leadership and a clear signal that it’s willing to work with international partners to address this growing threat. It’s not just about protecting China’s interests; it’s about taking responsibility for the global commons.