Undersea Cables: China’s Quiet Influence in Global Internet Infrastructure

State-backed firms expand submarine cable networks linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
✍️ By Dr. Alan Hughes | Telecoms & Space Policy Analyst

While attention often focuses on 5G and satellites, undersea cables carry more than 95% of the world’s internet traffic. In 2025, Chinese companies are playing a growing role in laying and managing these vital arteries of the digital economy.

Firms like Huawei Marine Networks and China Telecom have built new routes linking Asia to Africa and Europe, offering alternatives to Western-dominated systems. These cables reduce latency for Chinese businesses while extending Beijing’s digital influence abroad.

For host countries, Chinese-backed projects provide affordable access to high-capacity infrastructure. Yet concerns linger in the West over security risks, with fears that cables could be used for surveillance or cut off during conflicts.

Despite controversy, China’s undersea cable footprint continues to expand. By combining technical expertise with financing from state banks, it is quietly reshaping the architecture of global connectivity.