The distrust held by the US and China is absolute. Both countries have solid reasons not to trust each other, especially as they vie for world supremacy . Recently, this tension has manifested in the controversial decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, which is seeking to ban submarine cables originating from China that facilitate international connections. This move underscores a growing concern about national security and foreign influence on critical infrastructure.
The FCC is tasked with regulating communications across various platforms, giving it the authority to execute a prohibition of this nature. In a statement, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr indicated that the ban aims to preserve the integrity of the US internet connection infrastructure amid security threats posed by China. This measure aligns with the broader “America First” policy framework that the Trump administration initiated earlier in the year.
In the Current Context, Submarine Cables are More Important Than Ever
“Submarine cables are the anonymous heroes of global communications, transporting 99% of internet traffic ,” Brendan Carr highlighted in his remarks. He stressed the growing importance of these cables as the US invests in data centers and infrastructure essential for leading in artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation technologies. While Carr’s statement emphasizes security threats, it also underscores the strategic significance of maintaining a trustworthy communication network.
“We have witnessed how submarine cable infrastructure has been threatened in recent years by foreign adversaries, such as China.”
The FCC’s concerns stem from the rapid growth of Chinese companies in the submarine cable manufacturing sector. Firms such as HENGTong Group , Zhongtian Submarine Cable , Orient Cable , and Dosese Cable are amassing market share and could potentially leverage their technologies for espionage purposes against the US. Currently, leading producers are based in France , Italy , the USA , and Japan , but the rise of these Chinese firms presents a competitive threat.
To counter this risk, Carr suggests a dual approach : firstly, encouraging the use of US firms for repair and maintenance of submarine cables, and secondly, imposing strict restrictions on the deployment of Chinese technologies in any underwater cables connecting to the US. This initiative aims to bolster US security while fostering local industry.
“We have witnessed how submarine cable infrastructure has been threatened in recent years by foreign adversaries, such as China,” Brendan Carr reiterated. This is not the first time the US has initiated a ban on Chinese technology; back in 2019 , the Trump administration prohibited the use of telecommunications equipment from Chinese firms ZTE and Huawei . This recent move marks yet another chapter in the escalating conflict between the two global powers.
In conclusion, as global tensions escalate and technology becomes a battleground for influence and supremacy, the decisions made today will have long-lasting implications. For the US, prioritizing national security by regulating foreign technologies appears essential, especially when it comes to critical infrastructure like submarine cables. This move could reshape not only international relations but also the landscape of global communication.