Undersea cables, the lifeline of global communication and trade, are increasingly being exploited by certain nations to spy on China, according to a recent statement by the Ministry of State Security.
This revelation comes on the heels of disclosures by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, which uncovered the U.S. National Security Agency's (NSA) extensive surveillance efforts on global submarine cables through its \"Upstream\" program, running parallel to the \"Prism\" initiative.
Submarine cables account for a staggering 99 percent of international data flow, making them pivotal for maintaining interconnectedness in today's digital age.
As networking and digitization rapidly advance, the strategic importance of these cables has grown. They not only bridge nations across oceans but also provide essential communication services to remote regions.
China has made significant strides in the submarine cable industry, establishing a comprehensive industrial chain that includes production, surveying, construction, and maintenance. Despite facing sanctions from some countries aiming to hinder the development of related industries, China has emerged as a key player in the global submarine cable network.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to upholding the national security strategy, vigilantly protecting against and taking legal action to counteract infiltration, sabotage, and espionage activities targeting the country's underwater critical infrastructure and transnational data flows.
Reference(s):
Authorities: Undersea cables used by certain countries to spy on China
cgtn.com
