Recently, China deployed the world’s most powerful deep-sea cable cutter. This new tool — called a Remotely Operated Vehicle, or ROV — can cut through hardened undersea telecom cables at depths of 4,000 meters! Experts are really scared about that direction. It’s an extension of China’s overall strategy to use “grey zone” tactics that fall below the level of conventional war. Analysts agree that this undersea technology could fundamentally change the equation in regional power relationships and security. Countries such as Australia which have a large stake in continued secure telecommunications connections across the Pacific will be hit hardest.
China’s new cable-cutting technology first came to light in March and has since attracted international headlines. The tool represents China’s second, more dangerous, ambitions to use it to become a global dominant player in undersea infrastructure. Experts argue that by demonstrating such capabilities, China aims to portray itself as advanced and more prepared than previously believed.
Implications for Regional Security
As we’ve written on the blog before, China’s cable cutter has sparked fears about how it could be used against Taiwan or other countries. Mike Chinoy, a China expert, noted that the cutting of cables has been linked to China’s strategy of exerting influence without engaging in outright conflict. He stated, “Muscular activities short of war — there’s not going to be shots fired or fights breaking out — but coupled with intrusions into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone, and Chinese military exercises simulating blockades on Taiwan, they are trying to send signals that China can make life very difficult for Taiwan.”
Erin Murphy further emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We have a pretty high degree of confidence that cable-cutting sabotage in Taiwan, for example, has been intentional.” Taken together, these actions indicate a deliberate attempt by China to target and destroy Taiwan’s telecommunications infrastructure while covering their tracks and claiming innocence. Beijing has referred to claims made by Taiwan and Western countries as “character assassination.”
The implications go beyond Taiwan, including vital regional security interests for Australia and its compatriate Pacific islands. China’s active role in cable construction, industry experts contended, is reshaping the playing field. Its expanded capabilities are compelling other countries to re-evaluate their telecommunications policies.
Strategic Partnerships in Cable Construction
Most notably, China has more recently worked with local firms in the Pacific Islands to help establish their own undersea networks. One of the more unique agreements was signed with the Cook Islands back in February, which offered China even more of a presence in the region. Cynthia Mehboob stated, “Australia goes out of its way to help keep the Pacific connected because it ensures secure connectivity for Canberra.” Strategic Competition As China advances its Belt and Road Initiative deeper into the Pacific, so does the likelihood of greater competition or, at times, strategic geopolitical competition.
The capabilities of China’s cable-laying vessels and that technology should raise red flags. As much as they do this, many fear they could become a preferred alternative to Western companies. Mehboob noted, “That the West is failing in its infrastructure, and that China presents the best alternative with its high-tech cable-laying vessels and its capacity to keep infrastructure safe.” Together, this narrative would advance China’s strategic interests and reduce Pacific Islands’ engagement with the West.
Additionally, experts are sounding the alarm that China’s cable-cutting technology could emerge as a psychological weapon used to intimidate countries that opt for Western alternatives. Mehboob observed, “You could see it as a carrot-and-stick approach. They’re waging hybrid psychological warfare by saying, ‘If you buy your cables from the Western companies, then there’s a chance that we will come and cut your cables because we have this specialized cutter.’”
Future Considerations
With increased regional tensions and global competition for valuable undersea resources, experts called on government to keep a close watch on China’s developing technologies. Erin Murphy noted, “It’s a real threat; these are real capabilities that China is demonstrating.” The production of such tools has the potential to upend existing global power dynamics and shape future geopolitical trends.
Murphy shared an understanding of the broader seabed mining activities impact. “If we pay attention to the International Cable Protection Committee and reports they publish, the long-term threat to subsea cables is not espionage but seabed mining,” she asserted. China is issuing seabed mining licenses at an accelerated clip using executive orders. This decision poses a great new threat to countries trying to protect their undersea telecoms.
