US Senate Addresses Rising Threats to Undersea Communication Cables

On April 29, 2026, Senator Jim Risch announced plans to address national security concerns regarding undersea communications cables, which handle 99% of international internet traffic. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set to hold a hearing highlighting at least eight suspected sabotage incidents since 2022, primarily attributed to Russia. Risch emphasized the need for international cooperation to enhance the resiliency of undersea infrastructure and to publicly identify perpetrators of sabotage when possible. Recent incidents include the cutting of two fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea in November 2024 and accusations against Chinese vessels in 2023 for damaging cables supporting internet access in Taiwan. The U.S. has been increasingly vigilant about threats from both Russia and China, with the Federal Communications Commission planning to restrict the use of Chinese technology in undersea cables. The situation underscores a growing pattern of coordinated malign activities targeting critical infrastructure in strategic regions.

Key Points: • Senator Jim Risch will address undersea cable sabotage at a Senate hearing. • At least eight suspected sabotage incidents since 2022, primarily linked to Russia. • The U.S. plans to restrict Chinese technology in undersea communications.