Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles has highlighted the growing strategic importance of underwater communication cable networks that run across seas and oceans, warning that this infrastructure is facing increasing levels of threat.
He noted that for the first time in history, risks to key subsea communication lines are being observed at such a scale and frequency. According to him, Australia relies on 15 cables for internet connectivity, while some Pacific island nations depend on just a single cable. The disruption of such systems could lead to significant economic losses as well as prolonged communication outages.
Marles emphasized that repairing such infrastructure is extremely costly, with the restoration of a single cable potentially requiring tens of millions of dollars.
He also drew attention to rising militarization in the Asia-Pacific region, the construction of artificial islands, and increasing maritime security risks. The minister added that tensions in strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz also have a direct impact on global economic security.
