The Key To De-Risking Indo-Pacific Subsea Cables

The disruption had immediate effects on the local population, cutting off internet and phone services, illustrating the potential for strategic isolation of regions through such acts.

The broader implication is the vulnerability of Taiwan's communications infrastructure, which could be a precursor to more extensive strategies to undermine Taiwan's stability.

As Taiwan is a major player in the global semiconductor industry, disrupting its communication infrastructure could have a ripple effect on global supply chains, affecting industries worldwide, and potentially leading to a backlash from global markets and multinational corporations toward China.

If the cutting of cables is seen as a precursor to or part of a military operation, it could lead to a severe escalation of tensions and potential military conflict, particularly with countries that have security commitments to Taiwan.

Even as efforts to reduce dependencies on Chinese subsea networks continue, more than 20 cables connected to Chinese companies have either gone live or are planned to become operational in the Indo-Pacific region
between 2021 and 2026 .

Unlike the semiconductor industry, where export controls led by the US have set back Chinese manufacturing and development by years, there are limitations to the restrictions that can be imposed when it comes to subsea cables, an area where Chinese firms already dominate.

Moreover, while China's subsea cables share similar vulnerabilities, the risk of deliberate disruption or espionage originating from China toward other countries is higher.

In recent years, subsea cables have played a crucial role in the
technology competition
between the US and China. Washington has established measures such as Team Telecom – to ensure that Chinese companies do not dominate the subsea cable industry – and intervened in several projects, such as the Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6 cable, to prevent Chinese firms from securing contracts.

These efforts include offering financial incentives for choosing US-aligned companies for their cable projects and imposing sanctions on Chinese firms underscoring fears of potential espionage and security risks associated with Chinese-controlled infrastructure. These moves have invited retaliatory measures from Beijing such as delays in cable approvals.

For example, the
Southeast Asia-Japan 2 cable project , involving Singtel, Meta, and Japan's KDDI, has been delayed due to slow permit approvals from Chinese authorities, citing national security concerns. Projects like the Apricot and Echo cables, for instance, are being developed to connect key regions
while avoiding the South China Sea , albeit at higher costs due to longer and more complex routes.

Countries like Japan, Australia and the US enhance subsea cable security through partnerships, regulatory measures, and strategic investments. Japan has proactively secured its subsea cable infrastructure through partnerships with the US, Australia and Canada.

Japanese companies are significant players in the industry, and the country supports international regulations to protect these assets​​. Singapore has incorporated regulations governing subsea cables into its bilateral
Digital Economy Agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom . These standards include criteria for screening and certifying cable vendors to ensure secure data flows and could potentially serve as a model for similar initiatives.

The Philippines is set to become a key data hub with several upcoming cable projects, such as
Apricot, Bifrost, PLCN, and CAP-1 , featuring landing points in the country. These new connections will enhance route diversity and reduce latency for data traffic between Southeast Asia, North Asia and the United States. Indonesia and Malaysia are expanding their subsea cable infrastructure to support economic growth and improve connectivity.

These countries navigate geopolitical sensitivities by balancing relations with China and other global powers while participating in regional forums on cable security​​. Australia has taken steps to secure subsea cables through joint investments and strategic partnerships, emphasizing cybersecurity and developing contingency plans​​.

Sign up for one of our free newsletters

• The Daily Report Start your day right with Asia Times' top stories
• AT Weekly Report A weekly roundup of Asia Times' most-read stories

To leverage its tech industry, South Korea, a key player in the global telecommunications network, has addressed the
growing demand
for high-speed and reliable internet connectivity. For example, KT Corporation is developing a
5.6k-mile
subsea cable across the Indo-Pacific region with Savills Korea, connecting to countries like Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Multilateral cooperation plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Regional partnerships like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue are focusing on securing these critical infrastructures to counterbalance China's influence in the Indo-Pacific​​ through joint investments, sharing best practices for cybersecurity, and developing contingency plans for disruptions​​.

Additionally,
organizations
like the International Cable Protection Committee offer platforms for stakeholders to discuss security issues and enhance accountability mechanisms​​.

There is also a need for robust security measures through international cooperation. This
includes
deploying advanced monitoring systems to detect and respond to cable damages quickly, fortifying cables with protective sheathing, and establishing protocols for rapid repairs.

Additionally, strategic redundancy, where multiple cables provide alternative routes for data transmission, is crucial to ensure continuity in case of disruptions. Countries and corporations therefore broadly adopt four types of responses to these disruptions – diversification of routes; strengthening international cooperation and coordinated response strategies; advanced monitoring systems and establishing protocols for rapid repairs; and devising stringent regulations to ensure secure data flows.

As the demand for high-speed internet and digital connectivity continues to grow, addressing these challenges will be vital for the future of the region.

Pratnashree Basu
(... ) is an Associate Fellow with the Strategic Studies Program and Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, Observer Research Foundation, India.

First published by Pacific Forum, this article is republished with permission. Read the original here .

Already have an account? Sign i Sign up here to comment on Asia Times stories OR

Thank you for registering!

An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link.