""All of global data exchange flows through these cables," said Johannes Peters, the head of the Center for Maritime Strategy and Security at the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel. "The internet, payment orders, any kind of information you can think of, any kind of spoken communication, it runs almost exclusively through these cables," Peters told DW. "On a global level, we are dependent on them.""
"A study by the Washington University in Seattle found some 10 cables have been severed since 2022, including seven between November 2024 and January 2025, with additional incidents reported this summer. Russia was repeatedly named as a possible offender, based on recorded ship movements or anchor trails. But Moscow's responsibility has not been proven beyond all doubt, and the same goes for the claims that the damage was done on purpose."
"Legal issues complicate efforts to repair the damage to undersea cables in the Baltic SeaImage: ASN/Cinia/dpa/picture alliance China is also suspected of damaging some of the data cables in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan. Last November, Sweden urged China to take part in a probe related to one such incident. Trouble brewing in the Pacific? Asian nations are also vulnerable to undersea cable damage. US allies Japan and South Korea, as well as Taiwan a self-ruled island which Beijing sees as Chinese territory"
Nearly 500 undersea cables span roughly 1.3 million kilometers and carry almost all global data exchange, including internet traffic and payments. Dependence on these cables makes disruptions strategically significant. Since 2022, about ten cables have been severed, with seven incidents from November 2024 to January 2025 and further reports afterward. Recorded ship movements and anchor trails have prompted suspicions of Russian involvement, while China is also suspected in incidents near Taiwan and the Baltic. Responsibility for many incidents remains unproven, accidental damage is possible, and legal complications hinder repair efforts.
Read at www.dw.com
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