tech
April 17, 2026
New undersea cable cutter risks Internet’s backbone
China cable-cutter demo coincides with more sabotage of subsea Internet cables.
TL;DR
- A Chinese research ship tested a new device capable of cutting submarine data cables at 11,483 feet (3,500 meters).
- This technology can cut cables armored with steel, rubber, and polymer at depths up to 13,123 feet (4,000 meters).
- The development exacerbates security concerns over suspected sabotage incidents targeting undersea cables globally.
- Dual-use capabilities of the technology raise concerns about potential disruption of critical infrastructure, including internet backbones and cables linking to strategic locations like Taiwan and Pacific islands.
- Chinese-flagged ships have been involved in damaging undersea cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea, which China described as accidents.
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