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China has taken a bold step in deep-sea engineering, unveiling a device capable of slicing through the world’s most reinforced undersea cables at unprecedented depths. Developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC) and the State Key Laboratory of Deep-Sea Manned Vehicles, the tool integrates seamlessly with China’s advanced submersibles, including the Fendouzhe (Striver) and the Haidou series.
For the first time, a country has openly declared possession of such a device—one that can target undersea infrastructure vital to global communication and military operations. These cables transmit 95% of the world’s data, linking continents and ensuring the smooth functioning of financial markets, defence systems, and everyday digital services.
How the Device Works
Traditional underwater cable-cutting techniques struggle against steel-reinforced lines. To overcome this, the Chinese team, led by engineer Hu Haolong, designed a 150mm (six-inch) diamond-coated grinding wheel rotating at 1,600rpm. This mechanism generates enough force to shatter steel while minimising seabed disturbances. The tool is powered by a one-kilowatt motor with an 8:1 gear reducer, ensuring efficient torque distribution, though prolonged use at such depths could lead to overheating.To function in extreme conditions, the cutter is enclosed in a titanium alloy shell with oil-compensated seals, preventing implosion under the crushing pressure found at 4,000 metres. Operated by robotic arms in near-zero visibility, the device relies on advanced positioning systems for precision.
Potential Military Implications
While officially promoted as a tool for seabed mining and salvage operations, the device’s dual-use nature has sparked concerns in security circles. The ability to stealthily sever undersea cables could give Beijing a strategic advantage in conflicts.Guam, a key node in the US Indo-Pacific military network, hosts more than a dozen fibre-optic cables serving both military and civilian entities, including Google. If these lines were cut during a geopolitical crisis, it could cripple communications and disrupt global financial systems.
Retired US Air Force Colonel Raymond Powell, founder of the SeaLight maritime transparency project at Stanford University, warned: “China continues to expand its already vast grey zone toolkit, having long ago calculated that its willingness to blur the lines between peace and hostilities provides it with an asymmetric advantage.”
He added, “Cable and pipeline sabotage is more than mere harassment. It is a reminder that Beijing has the ability to cause far more damage to its enemies, should it choose to do so.”
A Broader Pattern of Deep-Sea Expansion
China’s rapid expansion in deep-sea capabilities is evident. The country now operates the world’s largest fleet of crewed and uncrewed submersibles. Just last month, China began construction of an underwater “space station” 2,000 metres below the South China Sea, designed to house six people for month-long missions.Meanwhile, the US and Japan struggle to keep pace. America’s deep-sea fleet is ageing, and Japan’s only crewed submersible, the Shinkai 6500, is nearing retirement with no successor in sight.
Rising Undersea Security Threats
The debut of this cable-cutter comes as undersea infrastructure faces increasing threats. Since 2023, there have been 11 reported incidents of underwater cable damage in the Baltic Sea, raising suspicions of sabotage. In Taiwan, suspected Chinese interference has escalated—authorities seized the Hong Tai 58 cargo ship, operated by Chinese crew, after it was linked to severed telecom cables.Taiwanese officials reported five such incidents in 2025 alone, compared to three in both 2023 and 2024. With tensions in the Taiwan Strait already high, the potential for underwater disruption is a growing concern.
Beijing’s Justification
Hu’s research team insists that the cable-cutter is intended for marine resource development, not warfare. In their published paper, they stated: “Nations are now compelled to redirect their resource exploitation focus towards the seas. The 21st century is the century of the oceans. Enhancing marine resource development capabilities, advancing the blue economy and building China into a maritime powerhouse constitute critical components of realising the Chinese dream.”Yet, the strategic implications cannot be ignored.
What This Means for the Future
China’s deep-sea ambitions are clear. With advanced submersibles, a growing fleet, and now a cable-cutting device, Beijing is positioning itself as the dominant force in undersea operations. Whether for economic gain or strategic leverage, this latest innovation has sent shockwaves through global security circles.The real question now is: how will other nations respond?
