China has introduced a small yet powerful deep-sea tool designed for cutting undersea cables, which might disrupt the toughest submerged communication and power links worldwide. This innovation could potentially alter the balance of sea dominance among nations globally.
This disclosure represents the first instance where any nation has formally announced possessing such an asset, which can interfere with crucial underwater communication systems.
The device can slice through lines at depths of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), which is double the deepest reach currently achievable with existing tools. subsea communication infrastructure - has been tailored explicitly for compatibility with China’s sophisticated manned and unmanned submersibles such as the Fendouzhe, also known as Striver, and the Haidou series.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
Created by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC) along with its associated State Key Laboratory of Deep-Sea Manned Vehicles, this equipment focuses on armored cables—composed of layers of steel, rubber, and polymeric coverings—that support 95 percent of worldwide data transfer.
Although designed initially as equipment for civilian rescue operations and ocean floor extraction, the multi-purpose nature of this device might trigger concerns among other countries.
For instance, severing wires in areas that serve as critical bottlenecks like Guam This location serves as a critical component of the U.S. military’s second island chain strategy, aimed at containing China. As such, utilizing this tool could potentially disrupt global communications during a geopolitical crisis.
According to the team spearheaded by him, the cutting tool's design has surmounted various significant technical hurdles posed by the depth. engineer Hu Haolong authored a peer-reviewed article published in the Chinese journal Mechanical Engineer on February 24.
At depths of 4,000 meters, the water pressure climbs above 400 atmospheres. The instrument’s casing made from titanium alloy along with its oil-filled seals ensure it remains intact and functional despite such extreme conditions.
Conventional blades struggle when faced with steel-reinforced cables. To address this issue, Hu and his team proposed using a 150mm (six-inch) diamond-encrusted grinding disc rotating at 1,600 revolutions per minute. This setup can break through steel without causing significant disruption to the surrounding marine sediments.
Equipped on submersibles limited by their power supply, the device’s one-kilowatt engine paired with an 8:1 gear reduction system offers a balanced combination of torque (six newton-meters) and efficiency. However, extended cutting operations can lead to overheating concerns.
The instrument, managed via robotic arms under near-zero visibility conditions, incorporates sophisticated positioning tech to prevent alignment errors.
The introduction of the device coincides with China's growing presence. undersea infrastructure is expanding.
Beijing currently manages the globe's biggest collection of manned and unmanned submarines, equipped for various operations. reaching any part of the world's oceans.
Construction of a 2,000-meter-deep " space station The operation beneath the South China Sea commenced last month to accommodate at least six individuals residing there for a duration of one month.
At the same time, America's aging deep-sea fleet is finding it difficult to maintain its speed. Japan's The sole manned submersible, Shinkai 6500, is set for retirement in a few years and lacks a replacement.
Guam continues to be a keystone. US Indo-Pacific strategy , accommodating over a dozen fiber-optic cables serving both military and civilian customers, including Google.
China's technology, designed for use with covert unmanned systems, can capitalize on these chokepoints without emerging from hiding—a situation that has sparked growing debates within military research circles since the discussion about Russia’s underwater natural gas pipelines began. blown up By unnamed players during the conflict with Ukraine.
However, Hu's group maintains that the instrument, having successfully tested cutting 60mm-thick cables during surface trials, supports "the exploitation of marine resources."
They noted that countries are now required to shift their resource extraction efforts toward the oceans.
The 21st century belongs to the oceans. Strengthening the exploitation of marine resources, promoting the blue economy, and transforming China into a global leader in maritime affairs are essential elements for achieving the Chinese dream.
More Articles from SCMP
A major China-US agreement appears unlikely at present, yet smaller accords could be achievable soon, according to experts.
Protests erupt in Beijing over ex-Japanese military leader's appointment as advisor to Taiwan
AI entrepreneur Lee Kai-fu stakes his startup's success on DeepSeek and open-source initiatives.
Wellness gyms focused on longevity can assist in extending your healthy lifespan, enabling you to stay fit for a greater number of years.
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
0 Comments