Undersea cables channel data and power, but they face major risks

The world’s digital infrastructure relies heavily on a 750,000-mile network of subsea cables that carry 95% of international data flows between continents. As artificial intelligence systems demand ever-increasing bandwidth for data transmission, these underwater cables have become critical chokepoints in the global economy.

Recent threats and incidents: A series of concerning events has highlighted the vulnerability of subsea cable infrastructure in recent months.

• A Chinese vessel caused significant damage to Baltic cables in November 2024
• A Russian tanker severed a key power cable connecting Finland and Estonia in December 2024
• Multiple cables near Taiwan sustained damage in January 2025, with evidence pointing to Chinese vessel involvement

Strategic implications: The growing dependence on subsea cables for AI-driven data transmission creates unprecedented economic and security risks.

• Cable disruptions can trigger widespread internet outages affecting multiple countries
• Damaged cables provide opportunities for surveillance and data interception
• Repair costs typically range in the millions of dollars and can take weeks to complete
• The concentration of critical infrastructure in predictable undersea corridors makes cables vulnerable to targeted attacks

Geopolitical dynamics: Competition over subsea cable infrastructure has intensified as nations seek to control digital pathways.

• Western nations are actively working to exclude Chinese companies from cable projects
• China has developed independent capabilities in subsea cable technology
• The lack of international protocols for protecting subsea infrastructure has created a regulatory vacuum
• Regional tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, have increased risks to cable security

Protective measures: Stakeholders are implementing various strategies to safeguard subsea cable networks.

• Deployment of AI-powered underwater monitoring systems to detect threats
• Increased naval patrols along major cable routes
• Installation of redundant cable pathways to ensure network resilience
• Development of satellite-based alternatives for critical communications
• Streamlined regulatory processes to accelerate cable repairs

Looking ahead: Strategic vulnerabilities remain: While protective measures are being implemented, the fundamental vulnerability of concentrated subsea infrastructure continues to pose risks to the AI economy.

• The absence of comprehensive backup systems means localized damage can have global ripple effects
• Growing geopolitical tensions increase the likelihood of intentional cable disruption as a strategic tool
• The race to deploy protective technologies may not keep pace with evolving threats to subsea infrastructure