China Unveils Compact Deep-Sea Cable Cutter, Raising Strategic Concerns

March 23, 2025 — China has revealed a new compact underwater cable-cutting device capable of operating at extreme ocean depths, sparking debate over its potential military and strategic applications. Developed by the Shenyang Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the device is designed to intercept and sever deep-sea cables — key components of global communications infrastructure.

According to reports, the cable cutter is described as "lightweight and portable", a stark contrast to earlier, bulkier technologies used in underwater operations. It can perform precision cuts at depths exceeding 3,000 meters, suggesting that China is refining tools that could be deployed covertly by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or submarines.

This development comes amid rising global concern over the security of undersea internet cables, which carry more than 95% of international data. These cables are essential to both civilian and military communications, making them critical infrastructure for economic stability and national security.

While Chinese officials have not stated a military purpose, analysts note that the timing and nature of the device raise red flags. In recent years, there has been heightened tension over undersea surveillance and infrastructure sabotage, particularly between China, the United States, and allied nations.

The unveiling of the cable cutter aligns with China’s broader push to strengthen its undersea capabilities, part of its expanding blue-water navy ambitions. The country has already invested in deep-sea submersibles, seabed surveillance systems, and unmanned underwater technologies, which together offer greater reach and influence in contested waters like the South China Sea.

Experts warn that while such a tool could be used for civil maintenance or salvage operations, its strategic design opens doors for disruptive military tactics, including information warfare and covert sabotage missions. If deployed effectively, it could threaten critical fiber optic cables that connect continents, economies, and command structures.

The move adds another layer of complexity to the evolving undersea battleground, where stealth, autonomy, and dual-use technologies are shaping a new frontier of geopolitical competition.