This month, the spotlight is on the critical nexus of cybersecurity and geopolitics. From the mysterious sabotage of subsea internet cables threatening global connectivity to South Korea’s pivotal role in countering cyber threats in the Indo-Pacific, power and strategy dominate the digital age.
This month, the battlefield spans the ocean floor to cyberspace, where tension and power drive the economics of technology and global defense strategies. Damaged subsea internet cables in Europe have exposed the fragile backbone of the digital economy, with sabotage suspicions adding a sinister edge to geopolitical rivalries.
In South Korea, the Indo-Pacific becomes a chessboard as Seoul navigates cyber alliances with NATO and the U.S., countering North Korea’s brazen hacks while managing China’s ire.
Two subsea cables—the first linking Sweden and Lithuania, the other connecting Finland and Germany—were damaged within less than 24 hours on November 17-18. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius did not hesitate to suggest sabotage as the likely cause. This unsettling event has sent ripples through the global business community, highlighting a critical vulnerability in the very backbone of international communication.
Undersea cables are the arteries of the global digital economy, carrying 97% of the world's internet traffic across more than 530 cables laid on the ocean floors. While accidental damages from ship anchors or natural disasters have been common, the recent incidents point to a more ominous threat: intentional disruption amid escalating geopolitical tensions. For businesses reliant on seamless connectivity, the potential for targeted sabotage introduces a risk factor that is both unpredictable and profound.
Asked about the vessel during a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said he was “not aware of the situation.”
The implications extend beyond mere connectivity issues. In an increasingly digitized world, any disruption to these cables can halt financial transactions, cripple supply chains, and expose sensitive data to espionage. .
He said China “has always fully fulfilled its flag state obligations and requires Chinese ships to strictly abide by relevant laws and regulations.”
“We also attach great importance to protecting the safety of undersea infrastructure and work with the international community to actively promote the construction and protection of submarine cables and other global information infrastructure,” he said.
The fact that such critical infrastructure can be compromised so swiftly and easily raises serious concerns about the resilience of global networks that underpin modern commerce.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is establishing an International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience to enhance protection measures.
South Korea is emerging as a critical player in the Indo-Pacific and NATO’s cybersecurity strategies, solidifying its role amidst rising regional tensions. Recent multinational exercises such as the APEX cyberwarfare drills and Locked Shields underscore Seoul’s importance in countering escalating threats, particularly from North Korea’s increasingly audacious hacking campaigns. Former Vice-Defense Minister Shin Beom-cheol noted the alarming evolution of North Korea’s cyber capabilities, which now target South Korea's defense and technological infrastructure. Strengthening partnerships with the U.S. and NATO has become essential for Seoul, providing crucial defensive capabilities while counterbalancing North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia.
However, this growing Western alignment introduces geopolitical complexities, with China viewing South Korea’s deepening ties with NATO as a strategic threat. Chinese military analysts have likened South Korea’s role to its controversial deployment of the THAAD missile system in 2017, further heightening regional tensions. As a trans-Pacific communications hub, Seoul faces the delicate task of balancing defensive necessities against the risk of provoking great-power rivalry.
Analysts highlight the precarious nature of South Korea’s strategy, as it attempts to enhance its cybersecurity while navigating strained relationships with regional neighbors like China, making it a pivotal player in the contested Indo-Pacific landscape.
Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are turning to nuclear energy for AI data centers. Amazon invested in X-energy, Google partnered with Kairos Power, and Microsoft aims to revive the Three Mile Island plant, highlighting a shift toward nuclear power.
TSMC leads the AI chip race, thriving on surging demand, while Samsung struggles with a 13% profit drop and ASML casts doubt on AI chip sustainability. Chinese tech giants adapt to U.S. trade limits with homegrown solutions, keeping the global competition fierce in the AI-driven market.
Telegram is tightening its policies, sharing user IPs and phone numbers of criminals with authorities. As hybrid warfare blends state-backed hacking with cybercrime, Telegram faces pressure to curb illegal activities exploiting its encryption features.
Sam Altman’s essay The Intelligence Age predicts superintelligence emerging within years, sparking debates on AI’s potential. While Altman envisions AI driving global prosperity, critics argue that it could worsen inequality. The race for AI dominance raises questions of access and ethics.
