by Giuseppe Gagliano –
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical context, digital seabed security in the Indo-Pacific emerges as a new frontier in global power dynamics. A crucial element of this dynamic is the “Pakistan and East Africa Connecting Europe” (PEACE) undersea cable, a strategic component of China’s Digital Silk Road.
China’s Digital Silk Road, part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, represents an ambitious attempt by Beijing to extend its geopolitical influence through digital infrastructure. The PEACE cable stands out as a significant example of this effort, designed to create a direct link between China, East Africa, Pakistan and Europe. Its existence in the context of the Western Indian Ocean positions it in a strategic region, fueling the concerns of regional players such as India.
Undersea cables are vital arteries of the global digital economy, with more than 97% of the world’s internet traffic passing through them. These infrastructures, despite their importance, remain vulnerable to risks of sabotage and espionage, making their protection a matter of national and global security.
The fusion between the civil and the military in the Chinese strategy opens up the possibility of using these cables for surveillance and data collection purposes, increasing tensions in the region, starting with India. Recognizing the challenges posed by China’s growing digital presence in the Indo-Pacific, it is exploring several response strategies including strengthening regional cooperation, investing in alternative digital networks and adopting preventative measures to protect submarine cables.
The need for a collaborative security framework with other regional players such as Australia, Japan and the United States has become increasingly evident.
The existence of PEACE and other similar undersea cables has made the Indo-Pacific seabed a major theater of potential geopolitical conflicts. Competition for control of vital digital infrastructure is intensifying, with significant implications for the security, economy and sovereignty of countries in the region.
Ultimately, the growing importance of undersea cables in the Indo-Pacific marks a new era in regional geopolitics. As China seeks to expand its influence through projects like PEACE, other nations are responding with strategies aimed at safeguarding their national and regional interests. In this delicate balance of power, digital seabed security remains a crucial priority to maintain stability and peace in the region.
