Countries in Southeast Asia and Europe urge protection of undersea communication cables
Fear of Sabotage Prompts Calls for Unified Defense of Subsea Cables
The world's critical subsea cable network—carrying nearly all of the globe's data—needs robust protection, according to defense officials from Europe and Southeast Asia. The urgency grows as these underwater cables are increasingly vulnerable to threats, with key hubs in countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
The European concern is evident, especially in the Baltic Sea, where unprovoked cable damage has surged. In response, defense leaders are advocating for stronger collaboration, emphasizing that securing just one end of a cable offers little protection.
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"The entire network must be defended," Singapore's Minister of Defense Chan Chun Sing stated at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. He echoed the sentiments of his European counterparts, voicing the need for a unified approach to maintain the network's integrity and security.
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The crucial matter was a recurring theme at the two-day summit in Singapore, with European officials keen to discuss lessons learned from the recent cable damage. The global undersea cable network currently spans approximately 1.4 million kilometers. The demand for data center power, driven by emerging AI technologies, is projected to surge significantly, necessitating the installation of more cables. Protecting these cables has thus become a paramount concern, particularly in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Elsewhere, potential threats to the undersea infrastructure persist. In the South China Sea, the Philippines is bolstering its defenses, while Thailand, understanding the risks presented by sabotage, accidents, and natural disasters, is collaborating with Singapore and Brunei.
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Strategies to enhance the security and resilience of the subsea fiber-optic cables include international cooperation, technological advancements, infrastructure integration, strengthened legal protections, and capacity building. Collaborative efforts in these areas could help protect the cable network from sabotage and ensure its vital role in global communication and data transfer.
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As the world grapples with the growing threats to this crucial infrastructure, the call for enhanced international collaboration couldn't be louder. NATO countries have already increased patrols in key areas to safeguard undersea infrastructure, and the EU Foreign Affairs representative Kaja Kallas has urged European and Asian partners to work together to tackle shadow fleets and review maritime security laws. The time for action is now, as the consequences of inaction could be severe and far-reaching.
In the face of escalating threats, Singapore's Minister of Defense, Chan Chun Sing, underscored the importance of a unified approach in defending the undersea cable network at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. Acknowledging the potential threats in the South China Sea, Thailand is collaborating with Singapore and Brunei to bolster defenses, reflecting a growing worldwide concern for the security and resilience of the subsea fiber-optic cables.
