In an effort to bolster the security of submarine cable networks, the West is preparing a strategy to exclude Chinese and Russian suppliers from the industry and connectivity. The initiative, dubbed the “New York Joint Declaration,” is expected to be formalized later this month during the United Nations General Assembly, from September 22 to 25.
The declaration will require network operators to implement supply chain and data security measures, and to share information in the event of incidents. The move is an attempt to push Chinese and Russian companies out of 5G infrastructure, amid fears that these suppliers will “take over the market” and disrupt the operation of cables.
The importance of submarine cables
Submarine communication cables are essential to the functioning of the global economy, allowing massive flows of data to be transmitted around the world. However, they are also vulnerable to increasingly recurring threats, such as sabotage, cable damage, or supply chain disruptions.
They are also a key pillar of global internet and telecommunications traffic, as the majority of internet and communications traffic travels through a vast network of high-speed fibre optic cables installed along the ocean floor. The main fear, in this context, is that a coordinated attack could disrupt private, government and military communications through such cables.
fuente: RACE
The West has been monitoring Russian and Chinese naval activities on key undersea cables around the world for years. For example, since 2014, Moscow has been singled out by investigators for its involvement in disrupting and sabotaging these networks, and recently, U.S. officials have noted more worrying activity by Russia.
In this context, the draft statement promotes “reliable and trustworthy cable components and services” as well as addressing complaints about the structures of Russian and Chinese technology companies and their links to anti-Western government organizations.
Competition in the submarine cable market
Although the list of competitors for submarine cable projects is long, the main battle is usually between the American supplier SubCom, the European company Alcatel Submarine Networks (owned by Nokia) and the Chinese company HMN Tech. Other companies that stand out are Prysmian (Italy), Nexans (France), the Japanese company NEC and the Chinese company ZTT.
HMN Tech, formerly known as Huawei Marine Networks, is one of the fastest-growing companies in the market. Concerns have grown that booming Chinese suppliers could take over global connectivity.
Source: The Daily
In parallel, Russia plays a significant role. Disruption and sabotage of these networks has increased, and the United States believes that Russia may be more prone to carry out possible operations of this nature. In addition, it was reported that Russia has put emphasis on the creation of a specialized military unit, known as the “Main Directorate of the General Staff for Deep-Water Research” (GUGI), to deploy a fleet of surface ships, submarines, and naval drones.
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