Submarine cables: the Chinese threat and the vulnerability of the European Union

KEY POINTS

• Submarine fiber optic cables are essential for global connectivity, handling 99% of the world’s digital communications and financial transactions.

• Recent incidents have demonstrated the vulnerability of these infrastructures, with serious impacts on entire continents.

• China, through its own companies, plays an increasingly important role in cable construction and maintenance, increasing the risks of espionage, sabotage or deliberate destruction.

• An attack or sabotage of submarine cables could paralyze economic and strategic sectors in many Western countries, including the European Union.

• The security of the cables is entrusted to a complex network of private companies and regulatory bodies, but China’s growing influence makes protection more difficult.

• The European Union and NATO are strengthening surveillance and defense measures to prevent possible attacks.

• Chinese control over these infrastructures represents a concrete threat to global security and stability.

• The main actors involved include cable companies, European agencies, major tech companies, and international security organizations.

Submarine fiber optic cables are the backbone of global connectivity. These infrastructures, which cross the oceans and connect continents, handle 99% of the world’s digital communications and enable financial transactions worth $10 trillion every day. Currently, over 400 active cables cover at least 1.3 million kilometers, making the functioning of the global digital economy possible.

Recent incidents and global impact

In March 2024, the damage to four cables affected 13 African countries, while another incident in the Red Sea interrupted 25% of internet traffic between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. These episodes demonstrate how delicate and strategic this infrastructure is, also fundamental for military and diplomatic operations.

The Chinese threat: sabotage and destruction of cables

In recent years, concerns have grown that China could use its presence in the submarine cable sector not only for espionage but also for deliberate sabotage or destruction of these critical infrastructures. Chinese companies like Huawei Marine Networks are involved in the construction and maintenance of numerous cables, increasing the risk that Beijing could, in the event of a crisis or conflict, disrupt global communications by cutting or damaging cables. This possibility represents a concrete threat to the national and economic security of many Western countries.

Management and protection: a complex challenge

The security of submarine cables is entrusted to a network of private companies and regulatory bodies, but China’s growing influence makes the protection of these infrastructures even more complex. The European Union and NATO are strengthening surveillance and defense measures, aware that an attack on the cables could paralyze entire economic and strategic sectors.

The importance for the European Union

The EU’s internal and external economic activities rely on stable internet connections. Many companies use cloud services, and even critical infrastructures such as financial systems and public services depend on these networks. The EU is connected to the rest of the world through about 250 cable systems, two-thirds of which are submarine.

Security and geopolitical risks

Beyond the risk of espionage, the possibility that China could sabotage or destroy submarine cables has become one of the main concerns for the United States, the European Union, and their allies. Chinese control over these infrastructures could be used as a weapon of pressure or as a tool of hybrid warfare, with devastating consequences for global security and stability.

Main actors and organizations involved

• Cable companies: Alcatel Submarine Networks, Nexans, Prysmian Group, NKT A/S, SubCom, NEC, Huawei Marine Networks

• EU agencies: European Maritime Safety Agency, European Fisheries Control Agency, European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, DG Connect, DG MOVE, DG MARE

• Big tech companies: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook

• Security organizations: NATO, European Union, United States Government

• Think tank: Carnegie Endowment

Conclusion

The security of submarine cables is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the international community. China’s growing influence in this strategic sector requires the European Union and its allies to strengthen cooperation, surveillance, and defense measures. Only through a coordinated approach and greater awareness of the risks will it be possible to protect the critical infrastructures that support our digital economy and global security.

Recommendations

• Strengthen cooperation between the European Union, NATO, and allied countries for the protection of submarine cables.

• Invest in monitoring technologies and rapid response systems to quickly detect and address potential attacks or sabotage.

• Promote transparency and security in partnerships with companies involved in the construction and maintenance of cables, with particular attention to non-European suppliers.

• Develop common European regulations for the management and defense of critical infrastructures.

• Raise awareness among governments, businesses, and the public about the strategic importance of submarine cables and the risks associated with their control by hostile actors.

About Extrema Ratio

Extrema Ratio is a leading organization specializing in geopolitical analysis and intelligence, with a particular focus on China’s global influence and the complexities of international relations. Through in-depth research and expert commentary, Extrema Ratio provides valuable insights into national security, foreign interference, and the strategic challenges posed by emerging global powers. The organization’s mission is to inform and educate policymakers, professionals, and the public about the risks and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. For more analysis and resources, visit Extrema Ratio’s blog and publications.