China's Actions Could Paralyse the World in an Instant
China is renowned as one of the countries most aggressively advancing technological innovation. However, a recent innovation from China has been reported that could paralyse the world in a short time.
China is reported to possess a new ‘weapon’ capable of disabling global communication networks. This ‘weapon’ is none other than an advanced cutting device developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC).
The device can target submarine cables that support 95% of global data transmission. For context, submarine cables are made from tough materials such as steel, rubber, and thick polymers.
These submarine cables are crucial for the continuity of communication networks and energy infrastructure worldwide. Yet, the Chinese cutting device is said to be able to slice through these cables with ease.
The Chinese cutting device can sever cables at depths of up to 4,000 metres, or twice the depth of existing underwater communication infrastructure. It is designed to be integrated with China’s advanced manned and unmanned submarines, including the Fendouzhe (Striver) and Haidou series.
Initially, this advanced cutting device was developed for civilian rescue and deep-sea mining. However, its dual-use potential for cutting submarine cables has raised concerns among other nations.
For example, severing cables near strategic hotspots like Guam could disrupt global communications, signalling a geopolitical crisis, according to the South China Morning Post.
For information, the submarine cables near Guam are vital to the US military’s second island chain defence strategy.
The design of this cutting device successfully overcomes several significant technical challenges posed by underwater conditions, according to the team led by engineer Hu Haolong.
At depths of 4,000 metres, where water pressure exceeds 400 atmospheres, the titanium alloy casing and oil-compensated seals on the device prevent implosions, even during prolonged use.
Made from Diamond
Conventional blades are ineffective against steel-reinforced cables. To address this, Hu and his team created a 150 mm (six-inch) diamond-coated grinding wheel that rotates at 1,600 rpm, generating enough power to crush steel while minimising sea sediment disturbance.
Designed for submarines with limited resources, the device features a one-kilowatt motor and an 8:1 gear reducer. Although the system is efficient, prolonged use can cause overheating.
The device is operated by a robotic arm in near-zero visibility conditions. It is also equipped with advanced positioning technology to ensure precise alignment.
Proof of China’s Strength
The launch of this device marks an important step as China expands its presence in underwater infrastructure. Beijing now operates the world’s largest fleet of manned and unmanned submarines, with the capability to access all parts of the ocean.
China’s new cable-cutting device, operable from hidden unmanned platforms, has the potential to exploit strategic chokepoints without needing to surface.
This capability has sparked growing discussions in the military research community, particularly after the destruction of Russia’s undersea natural gas pipelines by unknown actors during the war with Ukraine.
However, Chinese scientists insist that the device, which has successfully cut 60 mm-thick cables in land tests, is designed to support ‘marine resource development’.
This is because countries are increasingly driven to shift their focus towards exploiting marine resources.
Regardless of its intended use, this new breakthrough will further enable China to enhance its marine resource development capabilities, advance its blue economy, and strengthen its status as a maritime power, which is crucial for achieving the country’s long-term goals, according to the scientists.