In today's era of rapid digital development, the speed and quality of information transmission have become decisive factors in global strategic competition. During the Russia-Ukraine war, we have witnessed the magnificent performance of space technology, especially the key role played by satellite technology in intelligence gathering, communication and mapping.
However, a new star that surpasses the potential of satellites is emerging, and that is submarine fiber optic cables. It transmits thousands of times faster than satellites, allowing information to be shared almost instantaneously. This symbolizes that in this underwater war without gunpowder, the victor is expected to seize the commanding heights of the information world and firmly grasp the dominance of communications.
Recently, some Western countries have planned to lay submarine fiber optic cables in Chinese waters, but they have complained about China because of an incident.
At a recent regular press conference, a reporter once again mentioned the so-called "China has set harsh conditions to prevent Western countries from laying cables in the South China Sea" reported by the West, and asked China to respond. As a matter of fact, the United States and Western countries have been vocal about this in recent years.
Previously, the Financial Times revealed that due to the complexity of China's approval process and the harsh restrictions, many international companies, such as Nippon Telegraph ** and American tech giants, were forced to bypass the South China Sea and deploy cables, which eventually led to a surge in the laying and operating costs of enterprises. The scene is a picture of the tortuous challenges faced by companies as they navigate the precipitous terrain of the South China Sea.
Further extending the report, the "Nihon Keizai Shimbun" also echoed the saying that due to the slow progress of the Chinese side, the Japanese side is in a difficult situation in the global ** and communication projects, like a picture scroll showing the embarrassing scene of being constrained by bureaucratic procedures.
Overall, different ** convey the same complaints, namely dissatisfaction with the cumbersomeness of the Chinese approval process, as if depicting a common dreary atmosphere.
To this, we responded. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China, vividly expressed that China has always advocated strengthening exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace, and actively promoting the construction of various infrastructures, including submarine cables. From the past to the present, China has carried out international cooperation with many countries in the construction of submarine optical cables, such as the Sino-US submarine optical cable project, the Asia-Europe-Africa No. 1 project and the China-Pakistan submarine optical cable project. These projects paint a vivid picture of international cooperation.
In addition, in response to the desire of other countries to lay cables in the South China Sea, our side also made it clear that compliance with China's laws and regulations is a prerequisite for cooperation. China has fully implemented the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and promulgated five laws and regulations, including the Law on the Management of the Use of Maritime Areas and the Regulations on the Protection of Submarine Cable Pipelines, which have clarified the rights and obligations of all countries in China's waters and provided legal guarantees for the transit of international submarine optical cables. This statement has formed a clear picture, echoing China's firm position in maintaining peace and promoting international cooperation.
In fact, the United States and the West should reflect deeply on China's cumbersomeness, rather than simply blaming and complaining. Recently, Australia's move to send a ** to the vicinity of the East China Sea has attracted attention. A diver secretly dived to the bottom of the sea, and after the Chinese side reasonably expelled him, the Australian side explained that the propeller was entangled in the fishing net, and the diver was to clear the obstacles. However, why did the Australian side cross the ocean to the East China Sea?
Considering that submarine cables are a critical infrastructure for the global internet and communications, responsible for the transmission of data across oceans, it becomes a strategic goal. Sabotage or interference with submarine cables will seriously affect the country's economy and *** For a long time, Western countries led by the United States have been reporting on the collection activities, so it is doubtful that Australian divers dived to the bottom of the sea in order to approach and operate China's submarine cables.
On the US side, the action is even more pronounced. Since early December, the United States has secretly dispatched an ocean monitoring ship into the South China Sea and has been conducting intensive operations in the northern part of the South China Sea and the waters north of the Spratly Islands. The ship is unusual in that it is part of the U.S. Navy's Special Mission Support Division, and most of the personnel on board are technical professionals engaged in scientific research. This series of actions has clearly sparked speculation about the intentions of the US side.
Therefore, it can be speculated that the "special mission" carried out by the US in the South China Sea is not limited to simple exploration, but involves lifelike terrain exploration and meticulous depiction and mastery of the seabed topography of the South China Sea. Second, they are actively gathering intelligence, especially to conduct in-depth investigation and monitoring of China's submarine fiber optic cable construction in the area.
In addition, the U.S. Navy has launched a project dedicated to underwater surveillance, the Integrated Underwater Surveillance System. The main area of this system is to track submarines, especially the activities of submarines of hostile countries. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the US side will expand its surveillance activities beyond the high seas.
What is even more striking is that in recent years, Chinese fishermen have frequently discovered high-tech "unknown equipment" in the process of fishing in the South China Sea, including submersibles, torpedoes and miniature unmanned boats. This is no accident, reflecting the fact that the waters have evolved into a frontline for the great power game, with technical reconnaissance and competition reaching deep into the deepest parts of the ocean.
Therefore, the strategic importance of the South China Sea is becoming more and more prominent in the international arena. In such a complex situation, we must remain vigilant and continuously strengthen our security and defense capabilities in the maritime domain.