In a significant move to enhance national security, a bipartisan group of eight U.S. senators has urged President Joe Biden to conduct a thorough review of the security of undersea communications cables. This initiative comes in response to increasing threats from Russia and China's growing involvement in the laying and repair of these critical infrastructures, which facilitate over 95% of international internet traffic [ac3dc8e0].
The letter, spearheaded by Republican Senator Todd Young and Democrat Senator Chris Murphy, raises essential questions about the U.S. strategy for securing undersea infrastructure and the adequacy of the U.S. cable-laying fleet. The senators expressed concerns that the current state of U.S. cybersecurity measures may not be sufficient to protect against potential espionage and sabotage [ac3dc8e0].
This call for action follows a series of regulatory decisions since 2020, where U.S. regulators have blocked several undersea cable projects linking the U.S. with Hong Kong due to espionage concerns. Additionally, in April 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered Chinese telecommunications companies to cease operations in the U.S., further highlighting the tensions surrounding foreign involvement in critical infrastructure [ac3dc8e0].
The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act, introduced on September 17, 2024, by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI), also reflects the growing bipartisan concern over cybersecurity threats. This legislation aims to enhance cybersecurity at U.S. ports, mandating that applicants for funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program submit comprehensive cybersecurity plans [f0dc029e].
As part of the broader strategy to safeguard critical infrastructure, the Biden administration has been directing significant investments towards enhancing cybersecurity measures across various sectors, including ports. The urgency of these measures is underscored by the increasing frequency of cyber threats, particularly from foreign actors [283dbfc3].
The competition between the U.S. and China over undersea cables has intensified, with both nations vying for control over these vital communication links. As of September 2024, there are 532 active undersea cable systems globally, which are crucial for carrying 99% of internet traffic [17ec352a]. China's Huawei Marine, founded in 2008, has emerged as a major player in cable construction, despite U.S. restrictions on its access to technology. The U.S. has also seen heightened tensions following the withdrawal of the Pacific Light Cable Network in 2020, which was a significant project involving both countries [17ec352a].
China's investment in undersea cables, particularly in the Global South, continues to grow, with projects like the Peace Cable launched in March 2022. Meanwhile, projections indicate that HMN Tech's share of new cables may drop from 10% to 4% by 2026, reflecting the shifting dynamics in this competitive landscape [17ec352a].
With both the undersea cable vulnerabilities and port cybersecurity being focal points of concern, the U.S. government is under pressure to develop a cohesive strategy that addresses these interconnected issues, ensuring the resilience of its critical infrastructure against evolving threats [ac3dc8e0].