The European Union and Southeast Asian nations are urgently addressing the growing threat to undersea cables that form the backbone of global telecommunications and international trade. These high-capacity data cables, which span the ocean floor between continents, are critical for enabling cross-border communication, financial transactions, and global commerce. With rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, leaders in these regions are seeking new measures to protect this vital infrastructure from sabotage and unauthorized access.
Recent reports highlight the vulnerability of these underwater cables, which are often targeted by state actors or cybercriminals seeking to disrupt critical services. The collaboration between the EU and Southeast Asian countries aims to develop a coordinated approach to cable security, including enhanced monitoring systems, improved physical protection, and international agreements to deter malicious activities. Experts warn that a disruption to these cables could have severe economic and political consequences, potentially crippling global digital connectivity and trade networks.