China's boat tampered with cables laid in the sea, why did all the countries get worried?
Underground Cables Network: The cutting of internet cables laid in the sea has become a matter of serious concern for many countries. These cables are a critical part of global internet communications, handling 99% of the world's data transfers. The cutting of these cables can cause a number of problems, the main ones being:
Sea Internet Cables: Imagine, you are playing an exciting online game and suddenly the internet disappears! The cutting of internet cables laid in the sea can create exactly such a crisis. These cables handle 99% of the world's data transfers, and their disconnect has a serious impact on communications, trade, and security. The recent incident of a Chinese ferry cutting cables in the Baltic Sea has raised tensions between Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, and Germany.
Sweden-Lithuania and Germany-Finland internet cables damaged
On the morning of 17 November, the maritime internet cables connecting Sweden-Lithuania and Germany-Finland were reported damaged. According to Atlantic Council researcher Elizabeth Braw, these cables were dragged anchored on the ocean floor, cutting them. The incident came to light within 24 hours, and its severity alerted countries.
Investigation underway into Yi Peng-3's role in internet cable cut
The investigation found that a Chinese cargo ship, Yi Peng-3, was at the same location on the sea at the time of the incident. The ship left St. Petersburg in Russia and stopped at a port in Denmark's exclusive economic zone. Sweden and other countries chased the ship and found its anchor damaged. Expert Elizabeth Brave said that if the anchor of the ship gets stuck in the internet cable and drags it, then the sailors know about it, because it slows the speed of the ship.
Two incidents within 24 hours
Two incidents occurring within a span of 24 hours cannot be considered an accident. However, Sweden will have to prove that the sailors did so deliberately. If this is not proved, no criminal case can be filed against the ship's sailors and the company.
There may be economic loss, cutting cables
Cutting of internet cables also affects economic activity. Business transactions, online shopping, and other economic activities are affected, which can cause huge economic losses to countries. Along with this, the cutting of internet cables laid in the sea can also become a threat to national security. The military and security agencies of many countries communicate through these cables. Cutting of these cables can disrupt communication between security agencies, which can increase security threats.
Growing risk of political tension and mistrust