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The rupture of the submarine optical fiber cable in the Red Sea has undoubtedly dropped a shock bomb on the global communications field. This incident not only reveals the vulnerability of the Middle East in terms of information transmission, but also highlights the risks of global communications at critical nodes. Imagine if three more fiber-optic cables were severed, and the Middle East would be reduced to an island of information, and even a major conflict between Israel and Palestine would not be known to the outside world. This ripple effect is a reminder that modern societies are increasingly dependent on communications technology to function, and that any small fluctuation can have far-reaching consequences.
Since the end of February, a number of telecom operators have reported serious problems with communications connecting Asia and Europe. On March 4, Hong Kong telecommunications company and HCC revealed that four cables were cut under the Red Sea, of which 15% of telecommunications traffic in Asia was transmitted westward, and 80% of this traffic relied on Red Sea cables. In order to minimize disruption to customers, the company is urgently realigning its communication routes. Not only did they distribute the traffic westward to the remaining 11 Red Sea cables, but they also opened a northern route from Hong Kong to Europe via Chinese mainland, and an eastern route from the United States to Europe.
The cause of the damage to the communication cable is still inconclusive. Although similar incidents in the past have been caused by accidents such as fishing boats trawling nets or navigable vessels falling anchor, responsibility for this damage is unclear. The Houthis reiterated on March 2 that they were not involved in the destruction, blaming U.S. and British forces operating in the Red Sea region. Against the backdrop of conflicts in the region, it has become extremely difficult to conduct objective investigations and draw convincing conclusions. This is both an inevitable consequence of the deepening crisis in the Red Sea, or an attempt by those involved in the incident to add fuel to the flames.
Notably, among the damaged cables is the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 Submarine Cable System (AAE-1), a key line that was put into commercial use in 2017 and connects Hong Kong, China and France. The submarine cable was initiated and led by China Unicom in 2012. However, as of press time, China Unicom has not released a word on the operation of AAE-1.
The African Submarine Cable Operator (SEACOM), the owner of the other severed cable, said it would take at least a month to start repairing the cable. This is partly due to the need to apply for permits from both Yemen** and Yemeni Houthi rebels. Since the eastern part of the Red Sea is controlled by Yemen** and the western part is controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels, it is common to apply for permits from both sides for safety when laying cables. In addition, operating in risky waters is costly and dangerous, and the cost of insurance for the vessel can be as high as US$150,000 (about 1.08 million yuan) per day.
Industry insiders point out that the Red Sea is one of the three most important cable junctions in the world, and it is estimated that 17% of the world's Internet traffic is transmitted through the Red Sea's underwater communication cables. As with international shipping logistics, this incident once again highlights the fragility of global communications at critical junctures. Analysts believe that the "3D" model of the Red Sea crisis shows the multidimensionality and complexity of modern warfare. At the same time as the fierce fighting on the sea, cyber warfare and information warfare are also being carried out in secret. This is not only a test of the military strength of each country, but also a test of its wisdom and strategy in dealing with complex situations.
The international community is currently closely following the development of the situation in the Red Sea. All parties called on the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and avoid further escalation of the crisis. At the same time, countries are also strengthening cyber security and information protection to deal with possible cyber attacks and information leaks. The current Red Sea crisis reminds us once again that peace and security are the common aspirations of the international community. All countries should abandon the zero-sum game mentality, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and jointly safeguard international peace and stability.
In addition to the serious impact on global communications, the Red Sea crisis has also had an irreversible negative impact on the regional ecology. On 18 February, the Houthis attacked the Rubimar freighter in the Gulf of Aden with missiles, causing severe damage to the ship and forcing the crew to evacuate. For the next 12 days, the freighter, carrying tens of thousands of tons of fertilizer and large quantities of fuel oil, remained anchored in the waters off Yemen and gradually flooded. The leaked fuel oil created a 30-kilometer-long belt of oil on the surface of the sea. On March 2, due to bad weather, the "Rubimar" finally sank. This is the first time that the Houthis have sunk a merchant ship in this round of attacks.
International environmental groups and marine experts have pointed out that the large amount of fertilizer carried by the "Rubimar" will seriously damage the ecological environment of the Red Sea and deal a heavy blow to fishing in the waters near Yemen. This incident reminds us once again that military conflicts not only pose a threat to the safety of people's lives and property, but can also cause irreversible damage to the environment and ecosystems.
Therefore, we call on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and avoid further escalation of the crisis. At the same time, all countries should strengthen international cooperation to jointly address global challenges and promote world peace and prosperity. Only in this way can we ensure that the future of humanity is not overshadowed by short-sightedness and conflict. Xinhua News Agency, according to Abdul Qadir Haraz, former director of the Yemeni Public Administration for Environmental Protection, the fertilizer carried by the cargo ship may become"Catalyst for wild algae growth"。He warned that seaweeds, once blooming, will form a thick layer of cover on the surface of the water and coral reefs, which will not only cause a large number of corals to die due to lack of oxygen, but also have a serious impact on the biodiversity of nearby waters.
At the same time, the U.S. ** Command also issued a statement emphasizing that the cargo carried by the "Rubimar" poses a threat to the Red Sea environment that cannot be ignored. They point out that a shipwreck could not only cause serious environmental problems, but could also pose a safety hazard to ships passing and going on this busy route. In response, the Saudis have also expressed deep concern about the potential leakage of oil pollution after the ship's accident, which could clog the desalination facilities they are building along the Red Sea coast, causing them significant economic and environmental losses. @百家号@创作者官方助手.