Subsea Cables: Signals from the Deep

Why China's influence over digital infrastructure is a concern, and just how fragile that infrastructure is.

Key Observations

• The West must work to stay ready for continuing disruptions – Russia and China have their separate approaches in disturbing or interrupting a network that almost every country in the world relies on.

• There needs to be a drastic reinvestment into supporting cable repair capabilities or plans for quick adaptability to address situations as they arise – subsea cables can be broken by dragging an anchor around. Almost every seaborne craft has an anchor, and there are only twenty two cable ships designated for repair. That's not favourable maths.

• Australia needs to establish a national approach concerning subsea cables, ranging from defence, industry, cybersecurity, maritime conduct, shipbuilding, education and relations with partnering countries, especially Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, The Philippines and Pacific Island nations.