The Economic Times

New domain in modern warfare? Chinas deep-sea cable cutter test at 3,500 meterswhere most internet cables liecould give America an an internet blockade at China will

China deep-sea cable cutter test at 3,500 meters is now a proven capability. Over 95% of global internet traffic moves through submarine cables. Most lie at 1,500 to 4,000 meters. China has now tested a deep-sea cable cutter at 3,500 meters. This is the same critical zone. The system uses an electro-hydrostatic actuator. It blends electric power with hydraulic force and precision control. It can cut armored undersea cables under extreme pressure. China began this work around 2024. It reached real ocean testing in 2026. Official use includes seabed repair and energy projects. But the dual-use risk is clear. Deployed via unmanned submarines, it enables silent disruption. This shifts modern warfare from cyber attacks to physical internet control.