What just happened? China has created a deep-sea cable-cutting device capable of severing the world’s most fortified underwater communication and power lines at depths of up to 4,000 meters. This technology, developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre and its State Key Laboratory of Deep-sea Manned Vehicles, targets armored steel, rubber, and polymer cables, which underpin 95 percent of global data transmission.
China has created a deep-sea cable-cutting device capable of severing the world’s most fortified underwater communication and power lines at depths of up to 4,000 meters. This technology, developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre and its State Key Laboratory of Deep-sea Manned Vehicles, targets armored steel, rubber, and polymer cables, which underpin 95 percent of global data transmission. The device integrates seamlessly with China’s advanced crewed and uncrewed submersibles, such as the Fendouzhe and Haidou series, marking a significant leap in underwater capabilities.
Initially intended for civilian applications like seabed mining and salvage operations, the tool’s dual-use potential has raised concerns globally. Its ability to disrupt communication cables near strategic locations like Guam could have profound geopolitical implications, potentially triggering a widespread crisis.
The situation is particularly relevant given the US military’s reliance on such infrastructure for its defense strategies. Recent incidents involving seabed communication lines, such as the suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, have heightened global awareness of these networks’ vulnerability.
The development of this cutting tool has effectively overcome several technical challenges inherent to deep-sea environments. The team, led by engineer Hu Haolong, designed a titanium alloy shell with oil-compensated seals to withstand immense pressure and prevent implosion even during prolonged use. The device features a diamond-coated grinding wheel that spins at 1,600 rpm, capable of shattering steel-reinforced cables while minimizing disturbance to marine sediment. Its relatively low-power motor balances efficiency with the limited resources available on submersibles.
This technological advancement underscores China’s expanding presence in undersea infrastructure. Beijing now operates the world’s largest fleet of crewed and uncrewed submersibles, enabling access to the world’s oceans. The potential for stealthy operation from remote platforms has sparked discussions within military research communities, which are acutely aware of the strategic implications of such technology.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Chinese scientists emphasized that the device’s intended purpose is to support marine resource development. As nations increasingly focus on exploiting ocean resources, this technology will enhance China’s capabilities in the blue economy and solidify its position as a maritime powerhouse. This goal aligns with China’s broader objectives, including constructing a deep-sea ‘space station’ in the South China Sea, designed to accommodate extended stays for research and development purposes.
Furthermore, China’s collaborations with other nations, such as the Cook Islands, reflect its growing influence in the marine economy. Both countries have committed to deepening cooperation in oceanic endeavors, focusing on sustainable development and economic growth through marine resources.
