« This cable is their Achilles’ heel »: the United States fear this Chinese underwater weapon capable of slicing global order in one swift move

The recent announcement by China regarding a newly developed undersea cable-cutting technology has sent ripples through the global community, particularly in Taiwan. This groundbreaking technology, capable of severing the most robust undersea cables, raises significant questions about its strategic implications. Is this innovation a genuine threat to international stability, or merely a strategic communication tactic aimed at unsettling its adversaries? As the geopolitical tension mounts, it is crucial to understand the potential impact of this development on global telecommunications and beyond.

Unprecedented Maritime Incidents Stir Concerns

Since the beginning of this year, Taiwan has reported multiple incidents involving ships allegedly severing undersea cables near its coastlines. A notable incident occurred on February 25, 2025, when Taiwanese authorities intercepted a vessel flying the Togolese flag. The ship, discovered cutting a submarine cable just a few kilometers from the island, had an all-Chinese crew. This event marked the fifth such occurrence in a short span, intensifying fears of increasing hostility from Beijing towards Taiwan.

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The timing of these incidents is particularly intriguing. Just a month later, the South China Morning Post published an article with the headline: “China Unveils a Powerful Undersea Cable-Cutter that Could Disrupt the Global Order.” The article claimed that this new technology could cut through the thickest and most secure cables at depths of up to 4,000 meters—twice the operational depth of current communication infrastructure. This coincidence between the news announcement and the Togolese vessel’s immobilization only fuels speculation, despite China’s denial of any involvement in these maritime acts of vandalism.

The Strategic Timing of China’s Announcement

China’s unveiling of its new cable-cutting technology was first reported in the Chinese journal Mechanical Engineering on February 24, just a day before the Taiwanese interception of the Togolese ship. However, it took a month before the South China Morning Post brought international attention to the technology. This delay raises questions about China’s strategic intentions. Some analysts suggest that diplomatic considerations might have influenced the timeline, especially given the accusations against SCMP following its acquisition by the Alibaba Group, which some claim serves as a tool for Chinese soft power.

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The enthusiasm surrounding these declarations might also be tinged with propaganda. By maintaining an aura of ambiguity around its technological capabilities, China could be leveraging this announcement as part of a larger information warfare strategy. This approach allows Beijing to keep its adversaries, including Taiwan and Western nations, guessing about its true capabilities and intentions.

Potential Implications for Global Communications

The implications of China’s cable-cutting technology extend far beyond regional tensions. The vast majority of the world’s internet and telecommunication traffic relies on undersea cables. The International Cable Protection Committee, which oversees over 98% of these vital infrastructures, notes that most cables at depths of 4,000 meters are neither armored nor fortified to the extent that would necessitate such advanced cutting technology.

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China’s acknowledgment of the existence of these tools, despite denying any military application, sends a clear message: if it chooses, it could sever these cables and dramatically destabilize the global order. This potential threat underscores the need for nations to re-evaluate their strategies for protecting critical communication infrastructures from both physical and cyber threats.

China’s Dual-Use Technology Strategy

According to Jill Goldenziel, a professor at the National Defense University’s College of Information and Cyberspace, maintaining ambiguity about its capabilities could be an effective tactic for Beijing in its information warfare efforts. Many Chinese technologies initially designed for civilian use can also serve military purposes. Forbes had previously reported in February 2023 that certain Chinese ships used for car exports were built with military specifications, making them suitable for deploying troops and equipment on islands like Taiwan.

This dual-use strategy blurs the line between civilian and military applications, complicating international assessments of China’s true capabilities and intentions. By keeping its adversaries in the dark, China gains a strategic advantage, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. The question remains: how will global powers respond to this evolving threat landscape, and what measures will they implement to safeguard their telecommunications infrastructure?

As the world grapples with the implications of China’s new undersea cable-cutting technology, the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve. This development poses crucial questions about international security and the future of global communications. How will nations adapt to this emerging threat, and what strategies will they employ to protect their critical infrastructures in an era of increasing technological warfare?

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