Securing Asia''s Subsea Network: U.S. Interests and Strategic
This brief explores Asia''s evolving subsea cable network, explains why trusted cable networks are a key ingredient for U.S. competitiveness in the global economy, and offers
Measures
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Asian
The key to de-risking Indo-Pacific subsea cables
Amid increasing concerns over espionage and geopolitical control, many countries are strategically bypassing Chinese subsea cables in the Indo-Pacific. Complexities surrounding subsea
The Quad and Submarine Cable Protection in the Indo-Pacific: Policy
Brendon J. Cannon and Pooja Bhatt les in the Indo-Pacific and offers a timely roadmap as to how best to protect them. It first locates the significance of submarine cables for global connectivity and security,
Undersea cables, geoeconomics, and security in the Indo-Pacific:
First, the article argues that risks to cable networks can be characterized along two dimen-sions—source and frequency—and that the fundamental risks to undersea cables have not changed
How Different Regions Are Rethinking Their Approaches to Subsea Cables
Each piece from the Geopolitics of Subsea Data Cables series explores trade-offs and dynamics in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia and provides tailored recommendations for regional
National Policies and Projects Driving Fiber Expansion in APAC
Fiber expansion in APAC is gaining momentum, with national policies boosting broadband infrastructure to enhance digital access and economic growth.
The protection of submarine cables in Southeast Asia: The security
Southeast Asia''s digital economy is estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2030. 1 A key component of this digital economy are the multiple submarine fibre optic cables (submarine cables)
Subsea cables and their importance, explained
A look at why cable disruptions seem to be happening more frequently, and what''s at stake for Southeast Asia and Singapore.
Southeast Asia''s undersea cables under great power pressure
The deeper problem for the region is structural dependence on foreign powers to build, upkeep and repair undersea cables. Nearly all of Southeast Asia''s internet connectivity depends on
Challenges to Submarine Cable Connectivity in Southeast Asia and
The fibre optic cables laid on the world''s seafloors have become more indispensable in the digital era when data is viewed as the “new oil”. There are now 552 submarine cables in service
Submarine Cables
In order to transmit such a massive influx of data, undersea and terrestrial cables are now composed of fiber optics. Information and data are transmitted as light pulses, which are rapidly emitted through
Undersea cable security in the Indo‐Pacific: Enhancing the Quad''s
Despite their significance – 500 operational undersea fiber optic cables facilitate global communication and financial transactions worth $10 trillion daily – protection of this network has
Submarine Cable Security at Risk Amid Geopolitical Tensions &
Explore the rising threats to global submarine cable networks amid escalating geopolitical tensions, sabotage incidents, and limited repair capacity. Discover essential resilience strategies and
2025/21 “The Struggle for Subsea Cable Supremacy in Southeast Asia
While Japan serves as the largest subsea cable supplier for most Southeast Asian countries, China holds the dominant position in Cambodia (Figure 2). Previously, two submarine
Subsea Communication Cables in Southeast Asia: A Comprehensive
This paper begins with an explanation of why subsea communication cables (hereafter cables) are important to Southeast Asia and how the region is a critical node in the World Wide Web
Building Cooperative Frameworks for Subsea Cable Security in the
Modernized, harmonized regulation and market incentives are needed to reduce risks, speed repairs, and strengthen resilience in subsea cables across the Indo-Pacific.
The Struggle for Subsea Cable Supremacy in Southeast Asia: ASEAN
Beyond the US and China, Southeast Asian countries have engaged multiple players, particularly Japan, France and Germany, in developing their subsea cable networks. The significant presence of these
The protection of submarine cables in Southeast Asia: The security
The analysis views intentional damage to submarine cables through the lens of maritime security and examines challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation between Southeast
Cyber defense across the ocean floor: The geopolitics
Fiber-optic cables are faster and cheaper than satellite communications. 5 These cables are laid across the ocean floor to connect
ASEAN ACADEMIC REPORTS ON SUBMARINE CABLES
On Saturday 4 May 2024, CIL organized an Academic Symposium on the regulation of submarine cables in Southeast Asia. The Symposium was attended by academics from ASEAN countries who
Safeguarding Subsea Cables
By Daniel Runde, Erin Murphy, and Thomas Bryja S ubsea fiber-optic cables, a critical information and telecommunications technology (ICT) infrastructure carrying more than 95 percent of international
The Struggle for Subsea Cable Supremacy in Southeast Asia: ASEAN
Subsea cable companies from the US and its allies are collaborating to deliberately exclude Chinese firms, aided by political pressure from the US government and partner countries to limit Chinese
Submarine Cables and the Risks to Digital Sovereignty
The international network of submarine cables plays a crucial role in facilitating global telecommunications connectivity, carrying over 99% of all internet traffic. However, submarine cables
Manila explores joint measures to defend critical subsea cables
At a November 2025 forum on protecting undersea cables, Trinidad said Philippine government agencies have begun policy discussions, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Protection of Undersea Telecommunication Cables: Issues for Congress
Recent attacks on undersea infrastructure, including the Nord Stream pipelines, has heightened concerns for cables, and spurred calls for increased protection of undersea telecommunication