Safeguarding Subsea Cables: Protecting Cyber Infrastructure Amid Great Power Competition

 The Strategic Importance of Subsea Fiber-Optic Cables

Subsea fiber-optic cables, which carry over 95 percent of international data, represent a critical component of global information and telecommunications technology (ICT) infrastructure. These cables, numbering around 600 globally and spanning approximately 1.2 million kilometers, form the backbone of the world's information superhighways. They are essential for supporting high-bandwidth connections necessary for cloud computing, integrated 5G networks, and the rapidly growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI technologies advance, the need for data center computing and storage resources will surge, requiring expanded subsea capacity to maintain global connectivity. Given the geopolitical and technological stakes involved, it is imperative to assess the vulnerabilities of subsea systems and explore measures the United States can take to fortify this critical infrastructure.

The Geopolitical Risks and Emerging Threats

Undersea cables are indispensable to global communications, supporting everything from financial transactions to national security communications. This makes them a prime target in the escalating great power competition involving the United States, China, and Russia, as well as other state and non-state actors. These cables are the lifelines of the digital age, underpinning economic activities, military operations, and everyday internet usage. Consequently, their security is of utmost importance.

The threats posed by state actors—particularly Russia and China—underscore the urgent need to protect this infrastructure. Russia’s strategic use of specialized submarines and espionage vessels to potentially sabotage undersea cables, combined with China’s rapid expansion in subsea cable construction and control, highlights the vulnerability of these critical systems. Without coordinated international efforts to safeguard these cables, the risks of disruption, espionage, and economic instability will continue to escalate.

Ensuring the Security and Resilience of Subsea Infrastructure

China's dominance in the subsea cable industry, particularly in emerging markets, threatens the economic and digital sovereignty of numerous countries, posing a significant challenge to Western interests. To counter these risks, the United States must take proactive measures to protect subsea cable networks. This involves not only defending against physical threats but also ensuring the integrity and reliability of the data transmitted through these cables.

To achieve this, the United States should leverage the capabilities of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and facilitate international cooperation to safeguard these cable networks. By prioritizing the protection of undersea infrastructure, the United States and its allies can mitigate the risks posed by adversaries and secure the digital backbone of the global economy, ensuring a secure and resilient future for the world's communications infrastructure beneath the sea