The Asia-Pacific region relies heavily on undersea cables, which facilitate 95% of global data transmission. Recent events, including the February 2024 missile strikes by Houthi forces, have disrupted internet connectivity for over 100 million people, underscoring the vulnerabilities of this critical infrastructure. These incidents highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding undersea cables, as nations vie for control and influence over these vital communication links. A notable example is the $600 million submarine cable project between Singapore and France, which reflects the ongoing competition in the region [65c486e7].
In a recent incident, a fibre optic cable between Sweden and Latvia was reported damaged on January 26, 2025. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina stated that they are collaborating with Sweden to assess the damage, which occurred in Swedish territorial waters at a depth of at least 50 meters. The cable, owned by Latvia's state radio and television centre (LVRTC), caused disruptions in data transmission services. Following the incident, Latvia dispatched a warship after identifying a suspect vessel, the Michalis San, near the site. Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson confirmed the damage and LVRTC has initiated criminal procedural actions regarding the incident. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the affected countries, emphasizing the importance of critical infrastructure security [3498b1f6].
International treaties such as the 1884 Cable Convention and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provide limited protection for undersea cables, leaving them susceptible to damage from both natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts. To enhance the security and repair capabilities of these cables, experts are advocating for public-private partnerships that can leverage both governmental and corporate resources [65c486e7].
The recent internet outages in East and South Africa due to a submarine cable cut further illustrate the global implications of undersea cable vulnerabilities. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda faced significant connectivity issues, with traffic dropping to as low as 30% of expected levels. Service providers are working to resolve these issues, but the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of internet infrastructure worldwide [5d0db7a5].
Diversifying stakeholders involved in undersea cable projects is seen as a beneficial strategy for enhancing security and attracting investment. By involving multiple parties, the risks associated with cable damage and geopolitical tensions can be mitigated. The interconnectedness of the global economy means that disruptions to undersea cables can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only local economies but also international trade and communications [65c486e7].
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the protection of undersea cables will be paramount. The international community must collaborate to ensure the integrity of these vital connections, as their security is essential for the stability of the digital economy in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond [65c486e7].