Securing Subsea Infrastructure: A Call for ASEAN-EU Collaboration

The global digital economy relies heavily on thousands of kilometers of fiber-optic cables located on the ocean floor, which are increasingly becoming targets in the context of great-power rivalry. Recent disruptions to subsea cables have highlighted vulnerabilities in this critical infrastructure, elevating it from a mere technical concern to a pressing security issue. This situation has been described as “this century’s hidden battleground,” underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures.

South China Morning Post

Subsea fiber-optic cables are responsible for approximately 99 percent of intercontinental data traffic. Despite their significance, these cables are highly exposed and have experienced repeated disruptions, particularly in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. This shared vulnerability presents an opportunity for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) to collaborate more closely. Such cooperation could focus on enhancing infrastructure resilience, thereby avoiding the binary dynamics of US-China competition.

South China Morning Post

Recent comments from key officials emphasize the necessity of international cooperation in safeguarding subsea cables. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas noted that protecting these cables requires collective action, while Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing echoed this sentiment, stating that an attack on one segment of the infrastructure threatens the entire network. This perspective highlights the interconnected nature of global digital infrastructure and the need for a unified response.

South China Morning Post

While the call for ASEAN-EU collaboration is gaining traction, some critics argue that focusing solely on infrastructure resilience may overlook the broader geopolitical implications of great-power competition. They caution that without addressing the underlying tensions between the US and China, any cooperative efforts may be insufficient to ensure long-term security for subsea cables.

South China Morning Post

As ASEAN and the EU explore avenues for collaboration, upcoming discussions are expected to center on establishing frameworks for joint security measures and infrastructure protection. These initiatives aim to bolster resilience against potential disruptions and enhance the overall security of subsea cables, which are vital for the functioning of the global digital economy.

South China Morning Post

• “because an attack on one part of such infrastructure is an attack on the entire network” — Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

South China Morning Post