**Location and Context**
In Berlin, reports from the U.S. magazine Newsweek reveal that Chinese scientists have been researching methods to cut undersea cables since at least the late 2000s. This revelation coincides with recent incidents where undersea infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive areas has been damaged under unclear circumstances.
**Patent Applications**
Newsweek’s reporting highlighted two patent applications filed by Chinese researchers for towed undersea cable-cutting devices. These applications were focused on methods designed to inflict damage on undersea cables. Notably, the patents, structured like anchors, were intended to be dragged along the ocean floor to sever cables. Both applications were ultimately dropped for unknown reasons.
**Recent Incidents**
There have been occurrences of what appears to be sabotage of undersea cables, specifically in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan. In these regions, civilian vessels were reportedly involved in dragging anchors along the seabed, leading to severed communication and data transfer cables. Taiwan has been a focal point of tension, with Beijing asserting its claim of the island, which has operated independently since the Chinese Civil War.
**Terminology and Reactions**
Policymakers and military experts have characterized these incidents as acts of “hybrid warfare” and sabotage. The more recent patent application developed in 2020 came from a team of engineers at Lishui University, located in Zhejiang Province. This invention was identified as a “dragging type submarine cable cutting device.” The document’s authors expressed a need for this technology due to the increasing number of submarine and communication cables laid worldwide, suggesting a potential requirement for severance in emergency situations.
**Older Patent and Justifications**
A separate patent application from 2009, originating from a coastal research institution in southern China, referred to a need to counteract “illegal” cables near Chinese shores. Experts have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of these claimed uses.
**Chinese Government Response**
In reaction to the Newsweek report, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., emphasized that the Chinese government supports international submarine cable laying in its jurisdictional waters. They asserted China’s commitment to collaborating with the global community to protect submarine cables and enhance global telecommunications infrastructure.
**Geopolitical Tensions**
The geopolitical instability following the Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened focus on undersea infrastructure. Nations in the Baltic Sea are increasing their defensive measures after reports of Chinese-owned vessels from Russian ports being involved in incidents resulting in damaged pipelines and cables.
**Uncertainty and Speculation**
The extent of the Chinese government’s involvement in the cable-cutting incidents featuring seemingly civilian ships remains unclear. While at least one such incident was labeled as an “accident” by the Chinese government, experts caution that attacks on undersea infrastructure could form part of Beijing’s strategies regarding Taiwan.
**Author Credentials**
The article was authored by Linus Höller, a Europe correspondent for Defense News, who specializes in international security and military developments across Europe, holding degrees in journalism, political science, and international studies, and currently pursuing a master’s in nonproliferation and terrorism studies.