This Chinese technology immediately received public attention, especially as it could raise concerns about sabotage of undersea communications networks and global energy infrastructure.
China's Undersea Cable Cutting Technology Really Pose a Threat to International Fiber Optic Cables
Developed by the China Ship Science Research Center (CSSRC) and the State Key Laboratory of Manned Deep-Sea Vehicles, the device targets armored cables, which carry 95 percent of the world’s data. Capable of cutting wires at depths of up to 4,000 meters, twice the depth of existing communications infrastructure, the tool is designed to integrate with China’s advanced manned and unmanned submarines, including the Fendouzhe (Striver) and Haidou series.
Although originally developed for civilian rescue and deep-sea mining, the potential dual use of the device has raised concerns among many countries. Cutting cables near strategic points such as Guam – which is vital to the US military’s defense strategy – could also lead to global communications disruption and trigger a geopolitical crisis.
How China Implemented Undersea Cable Cutting Technology
According to the research team led by engineer Hu Haolong, the design of the device successfully solved many of the technical challenges posed by deep-sea conditions. With water pressure exceeding 400 ATM at a depth of 4,000 meters, the device's titanium alloy shell and oil-compensated gasket help prevent explosions during long-term use. To cut through the steel-reinforced cable, the team developed a 150-millimeter diameter diamond-coated grinding wheel rotating at 1,600 rpm, generating enough force to break the steel without disturbing the marine sediments.
Undersea fiber optic cable has problem again, Vietnam's internet is affected
Designed for submarines with limited power, the device features a one-kilowatt motor and an 8:1 gear ratio for efficient torque balancing. Operated by a robotic arm in near-zero visibility conditions, it also incorporates advanced positioning technology to ensure precise alignment.
The launch marks a major step forward in China’s expanding presence in underwater infrastructure. Beijing operates the world’s largest submarine fleet, with access to all areas of the ocean. The new cable cutter can be operated from stealthy drones, allowing it to operate without surfacing.
Chinese scientists claim the device is designed to aid “marine resource development,” but the breakthrough could also help China cement its position as a maritime power and promote a blue economy to achieve the country’s long-term goals.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-phat-trien-cong-nghe-cat-cap-duoi-day-bien-sau-185250325215959813.htm
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