China’s new deep-sea cable cutter, capable of severing critical undersea communication and power cables 13,000 feet below the surface, has the potential to turn out the lights and plunge the world into chaos, it has been claimed. Developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC) and its State Key Laboratory of Deep-sea Manned Vehicles, this compact device is understood to target the steel-reinforced cables that carry 95% of global data transmission.
The technology’s dual-use potential—initially intended for civilian salvage and seabed mining—has raised alarm worldwide, as its military applications could disrupt crucial infrastructure in geopolitical tension. The cutter can operate at depths of up to 4,000 metres (13,123 feet), twice the depth of most subsea communication lines, reports the South China Morning Post. Its precision lies in a 150mm diamond-coated grinding wheel that spins at 1,600 rpm, generating enough force to shatter steel cables while minimising sediment disturbance.
With the device’s titanium alloy shell and oil-compensated seals preventing implosion under extreme water pressure, the cutter is suited for integration with China’s advanced submersibles, including the Fendouzhe (Striver) and Haidou series.
If China were to deploy such a device near critical chokepoints—for example, around Guam, a strategic hub for US military operations—it could trigger a communication crisis. Entire regions could be cut off from the internet, banking systems could collapse, and vital communications could grind to a halt.
The cutter’s ability to strike such vital infrastructure from stealthy unmanned platforms makes it an especially potent tool for cyberwarfare and sabotage without the need for direct military confrontation.
In 2020, a team of engineers at Lishui University in coastal Zhejiang province developed what they called a “dragging type submarine cable cutting device”, according to Newsweek.
An accompanying scientific paper said: “With the development of science and technology, more and more submarine cables and communication cables are laid on the seabed of all parts of the world and the cables need to be cut off in some emergency situations.
“The traditional cutting method needs first to detect the position of the cables, then excavate and salvage them for cutting.
“The process is complex, a lot of expensive equipment is needed, and the cost is too high.
“There is a need for a fast, low-cost cutting apparatus for submarine cables to accomplish this task.
As China expands its maritime presence, the cutter’s capabilities will likely be leveraged for more than just civilian purposes.
The technology could disrupt not only communication cables but also energy grids, further enhancing China’s growing influence over global infrastructure.
The device’s successful trials—demonstrating its ability to slice through 60mm-thick cables—highlight its effectiveness and accuracy.
While Chinese scientists argue that the tool is meant to advance marine resource development, the situation is being closely monitored by the international community.