For the record, only 1-4% of data is distributed via communications satellites; the rest comes via fiber-optic cables. Thus if Medvedev's threat were to materialize, the consequences for the world economy would be comparable to a nuclear strike.
Latest stories
global south forging a new foreign policy
japan's grand strategy as a declining power
us reliance on china's capital goods rules out decoupling
protecting the past to reshape the future
Sign up for one of our free newsletters.
The Daily Report AT Weekly Report
For example, a 2006 earthquake damaged eight cables around Taiwan, disrupting communications and trade across Asia and affecting the hang seng index accordingly. In 2008, 75 million people in the Middle East and India were left without communication because of a badly dropped anchor by a passing ship.
The obvious conclusion is that whoever owns the cables chooses the tune. The United States is well aware of this and is doing everything possible to keep unfriendly competitors out of the market. The State Department's efforts have prevented at least six deals with Chinese companies.
An widespread attack on ocean networks would affect everyone, from tankers to the neighborhood coffee shop, and the losses would be in the trillions. It is unlikely that anyone with common sense would order such a global blackout, but a local one is entirely possible.
Incidentally, in February, Chinese boats allegedly cut two cables near the Matsu Islands off Taiwan.
In general, even if the threats remain threats, the popularity of satellite communication channels may grow, as well as the services of General Dynamics, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX, so it may be a good time to add some of the prospects to the stock screener .
Like this:Like Loading... Related
Comments
No comment