The United States is preparing a major move to block Chinese technologies from the global internet backbone — undersea cables. These invisible lines transmit data across continents, carrying everything from emails and financial transactions to military communications.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to adopt new rules this Wednesday aimed at preventing Chinese firms from participating in the construction or maintenance of subsea cable infrastructure that connects the U.S. with the rest of the world.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized that the U.S. faces increasing cyber threats from foreign adversaries — particularly China. The goal is to protect next-generation networks, especially in rural areas, from foreign control and potential malicious activity.

⚠️ Aggressive Measures to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure

The proposed rules mark the most aggressive stance yet by the U.S. on subsea cable security. The FCC plans to target companies already deemed national security threats, such as Huawei, ZTE, China Telecom, and China Mobile. Any new cable projects involving these firms would be banned. Some older systems may face stricter oversight.

This move aligns with the broader U.S. strategy to limit Chinese influence in strategic digital infrastructure.

🌐 Undersea Cables: A Growing Geopolitical Weak Spot

The seabed houses over 400 internet cables that form the backbone of global data transfer. Any disruption could have severe consequences. In recent years, several incidents have drawn attention to this hidden vulnerability:

🔹 In 2023, Taiwan accused Chinese ships of intentionally cutting two cables to the Matsu Islands, leaving thousands without internet.

🔹 In 2024, three cables in the Red Sea were damaged — likely in retaliation by Iran amid regional conflict.

🔹 In the Baltic Sea, two sabotage incidents alarmed NATO members.

The FCC’s new initiative would expand oversight, mandate security audits, and possibly introduce stricter licensing. The aim is to prevent foreign states from intercepting or cutting internet traffic flowing through U.S. and global subsea cables.

🛡️ U.S. Continues to Isolate Chinese Technology

This policy builds on earlier bans. Washington previously prohibited Huawei and ZTE from supplying 5G gear in the U.S. and pressured allies to do the same. The focus now shifts to undersea cables — the quiet yet vital arteries of the internet.

China has sharply criticized these actions. Its Foreign Ministry denounced the policy as "unjustified suppression" of Chinese enterprises and accused the U.S. of politicizing technology. Despite Beijing's protests, the U.S. shows no signs of backing down from its mission to protect its digital infrastructure.

#CyberSecurity , #USPolitics , #china , #Geopolitics , #worldnews

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