If we thought about an apocalyptic world, surely that image in our minds would show a dark, gloomy place… and with no internet access, right? Everything would collapse and, above all, many of us wouldn’t know how to live without electric power (and others without posting on TikTok). And now, we find ourselves facing a rather strange chapter in history. Let us explain why. In the race for technological supremacy, China has pushed the rest of the world to the edge after announcing that, from the State Key Laboratory of Deep Sea Manned Vehicles of the China Ship Scientific Research Center (CSSRC), they have created a submarine device capable of cutting the cables that sustain the global internet network. These cables, invisible to most, are vital arteries through which 95% of international data traffic flows. Now, their integrity could be in danger.
What has China created?
A submarine cable cutter that can operate at 4,000 kilometres depth, cutting reinforced cables up to 6 mm thick, and it’s designed to work in extreme conditions.
How does it work?
This system has a 150-millimeter abrasive wheel, coated with diamonds and spinning at 1,600 revolutions per minute. This allows it to cut through the cable reinforcements and selectively choose which cables to cut without causing disturbances to the seabed.
What is this device designed for?
According to Chinese authorities, this cutter has been developed for tasks such as maritime rescue or oceanic mining, but… it has raised alarms in the global community because its precision makes it a perfect tool for covert sabotage operations, as it can be mounted on submarines like the Fendouzhe and Haidou models, avoiding detection.
An invention the international community doesn’t like
Clearly, with this level of technology and precision, we could be talking about an extremely controversial operation because the first thing that comes to mind is espionage and military applications. But… what cables would they cut with this? Very simple, they could affect the global internet network, banking systems, and vital communications. In other words, we could be facing a covert sabotage without the need for direct military confrontation.
Cyber warfare? Conflicts of the future
Although there is nothing to fear for now, submarine cables are essential for the global economy, since everything (military communications, stock market operations, transfers…) all moves through these cables. So, a selective cut could leave entire countries without a network, creating chaos.
And this threat isn’t new, but it does seem increasingly real, a silent war where digital infrastructure appears to be the first target.
We are increasingly interconnected, and control of information, of course, is power. That’s why the rest of the global community has thrown their hands up in concern, because entire regions could be paralyzed in a matter of seconds.
Can we protect ourselves?
Experts believe the key lies in diversifying data routes and strengthening underwater surveillance, and above all, establishing international treaties to regulate this type of technology. But of course, legislation is always one step behind weapons development…
