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Undersea fibre optic cables could be the next geopolitical frontier | ABC News

ABC News In-depth・38 minutes read

Underwater fiber optic cables are vital for global communication, financial transactions, and national security, with superpowers engaging in a technology war over control. Geopolitical tensions, especially between the US and China, impact the submarine cable industry, affecting smaller countries like Taiwan caught in the middle.

Insights

  • Underwater fiber optic cables are vital for global communication, financial transactions, and national security, with nearly 500 cables connecting countries, highlighting the industry's significance and the risks of relying on a single cable for communication.
  • Geopolitical tensions, especially between the US and China, impact the submarine cable industry, affecting smaller countries caught in the middle like Taiwan, which faces military threats from China and is determined to remain independent despite concerns about potential conflict and underpreparedness.

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Recent questions

  • Why are underwater fiber optic cables important?

    Underwater fiber optic cables are crucial for global communication, connecting billions of people to the internet for financial transactions, communication, and national security. These cables form a global network that enables the flow of data across countries, revolutionizing the way information is transmitted worldwide.

  • How do countries repair damaged underwater cables?

    Countries repair damaged underwater cables using specialized cable repair ships that are equipped to fix faults caused by fishing nets and anchors. These ships play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the undersea cable network, ensuring uninterrupted communication and data flow between nations.

  • What are the concerns regarding the submarine cable industry?

    The submarine cable industry serves both commercial and military purposes, raising concerns about espionage and security threats. Geopolitical tensions, especially between superpowers like the US and China, impact the industry, affecting smaller countries caught in the middle and highlighting the vulnerability of nations relying on a single cable for communication.

  • How does the quad alliance focus on undersea cables?

    The quad alliance, consisting of the US, India, Japan, and Australia, focuses on undersea cables for secure telecommunications in the Indo-Pacific region. By investing in undersea cable infrastructure, the alliance aims to enhance communication capabilities, boost influence, and counter strategic moves by countries like China in the region.

  • Why are big tech companies investing in laying underwater cables?

    Big tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon invest heavily in laying underwater cables to dominate global bandwidth usage and enhance their data-driven operations. By investing in undersea cable infrastructure, these companies aim to ensure reliable and high-speed data transmission, supporting their digital services and global connectivity.

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Summary

00:00

Global Underwater Fiber Optic Cable Network

  • Underwater fiber optic cables form a global network connecting billions of people to the internet.
  • These cables are crucial for financial transactions, communication, and national security.
  • Superpowers engage in a technology war over control of these cables.
  • An underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga caused a tsunami and damaged the country's only subsea cable, cutting off communication.
  • The vulnerability of countries relying on a single cable for communication is highlighted.
  • The submarine cable industry is essential for global communication, with nearly 500 undersea cables connecting countries.
  • The history of undersea cables dates back to the 19th century, revolutionizing communication.
  • Cable repair ships are crucial for fixing faults caused by fishing nets and anchors.
  • The industry serves both commercial and military purposes, raising concerns about espionage.
  • Geopolitical tensions, especially between the US and China, impact the submarine cable industry, affecting smaller countries caught in the middle.

21:31

Taiwan's Security Concerns Amid China Tensions

  • Taiwan is concerned about losing communication with the outside world and its impact on domestic security and defense systems.
  • America is committed to preserving democracy in Taiwan despite increased military drills by Beijing following Nancy Pelosi's visit.
  • Taiwan's former military head is worried about China's military presence near Taiwan and the need to protect sovereignty.
  • Taiwan has raised alarms due to a record number of Chinese jets crossing the unofficial border, heightening military threats.
  • Taiwan is determined not to back down against China's military threats and wants to remain independent.
  • China aims to prevent Taiwan's independence through diplomatic, economic, and military pressure.
  • Taiwan is underprepared for a potential conflict but is working on defense plans and civil defense training.
  • The quad alliance (US, India, Japan, Australia) is focusing on undersea cables for secure telecommunications in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The US is backing a new cable connecting Pacific Islands to boost influence and counter China's strategic moves.
  • Tonga faced challenges after a tsunami and volcanic eruption, highlighting the importance of undersea cables for communication and economic stability.

42:37

Geopolitical tensions impact global data flow.

  • Alan Molden, director of research at Te Geography, disputes the idea of a divided world with American and Chinese-backed networks.
  • Geopolitical tensions between China and the US have led to delays and cancellations of projects linking the two countries, rerouting data flow.
  • Despite challenges, data still flows between China and the US through alternative routes, impacting the submarine cable industry.
  • Chinese companies are adapting by building cables to allied nations, showcasing innovation and a younger workforce.
  • US government intervention has blocked Chinese companies from undersea cable deals, reshaping internet architecture and creating a potential divide.
  • Singapore plans to double its cable connections to enhance its data-driven financial status and technological capabilities.
  • Big tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon invest heavily in laying cables and dominate global bandwidth usage.
  • Concerns over data security, surveillance, and potential internet fragmentation due to geopolitical tensions and covert operations persist.
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