讀後心得

Chinese scientists have recently showcased a new deep-sea cable cutting tool that can sever the strongest communication and power lines at a depth of 4,000 meters on the ocean floor. This equipment was developed by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and has potential military and civilian applications, attracting international attention. Although officials state that its purpose is for civilian salvage and deep-sea mining, the technology could pose a threat to the global communication network. As China's influence in deep-sea operations expands, this facility is capable of causing disruption at critical strategic locations, potentially affecting geopolitical stability.

Recently, reports have indicated that Chinese scientists have demonstrated a compact deep-sea cable cutting tool capable of severing underwater communication and power lines at depths of up to 4,000 meters. This development could change the landscape of global communication networks and impact the distribution of maritime power.

This device was developed by the China Shipbuilding Science Research Center and its national key laboratory, specifically designed for cutting “armored cables” coated with steel, rubber, and polymers, which are responsible for 95% of global data transmission.

According to the project leader and their team's research, the underwater cable cutting equipment can operate under extreme conditions at depths of up to 4,000 meters and pressures exceeding 400 atmospheres. The device has a titanium alloy shell and hydraulic compensation sealing technology, effectively preventing failures caused by excessive pressure. At the same time, the equipment uses diamond-coated grinding wheels and high-speed design to cut steel rapidly while minimizing disturbances to the seafloor sediment.

The device is also equipped with a one-kilowatt motor and a robotic arm with advanced positioning technology, allowing it to perform precise cuts in almost zero visibility, reducing alignment errors. The team stated that the device has successfully cut through cables that are 60 millimeters thick and could be mounted on China's manned and unmanned submersibles in the future.

Although this equipment was primarily developed for civilian salvage and deep-sea mining, its potential dual-use characteristics have raised concerns among external observers. Some reports have pointed out that, despite China's emphasis on the technology being for civilian purposes, similar technologies can often be used for military applications, potentially posing a threat to other countries.

A report on a technology website mentioned that the U.S. military heavily relies on underwater cables at data communication hubs in the Pacific, and if this device were to be used to cut critical underwater cables, it could lead to global communication instability.

Moreover, past incidents have already drawn attention, with several underwater cables severed under unclear circumstances, involving vessels of Chinese origin, viewed as part of the potential threat posed by this equipment. China's influence in deep-sea infrastructure is continuously strengthening, and it now possesses the world's largest fleet of manned and unmanned submersibles, further expanding its influence by building deep-sea bases in the South China Sea.