New Chinese Undersea Cable Cutter Raises Security Concerns
New undersea cable cutter risks Internet’s backbone
Ars Technica
Image: Ars Technica
A Chinese research ship has tested a new undersea cable cutter capable of slicing through submarine data cables at depths of over 11,000 feet. This development raises security concerns amid a series of suspected sabotage incidents affecting global communications and power cables.
- 01The undersea cable cutter can operate at depths up to 13,123 feet (4,000 meters).
- 02The technology was tested by the Chinese research ship Haiyang Dizhi 2.
- 03This advancement may heighten fears of sabotage against global communications.
- 04The device is compact enough to be deployed by underwater remotely operated vehicles.
- 05Previous instances of cable damage have involved Chinese-registered ships.
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A new undersea cable cutter developed by Chinese researchers has been successfully tested by the Haiyang Dizhi 2 research ship at a depth of 11,483 feet (3,500 meters). This technology, which can cut cables at depths up to 13,123 feet (4,000 meters), raises significant security concerns as it follows a series of suspected sabotage incidents targeting submarine communications and power cables globally. The device utilizes an electro-hydrostatic actuator and a diamond-coated grinding wheel to slice through cables armored with steel, rubber, and polymer. The trial marks a significant step in the engineering application of deep-sea technology, which has been developed by both military and civilian organizations in China. The potential for misuse of such technology is alarming, particularly given the increasing involvement of Chinese-registered ships in damaging subsea infrastructure.
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The development of this technology could threaten global communication networks, potentially disrupting internet access and data transmission.
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