US, China Cold War Over the World’s Internet Cables

The U.S. and China are locked in a high-stakes race to control the world’s undersea internet cables-the hidden infrastructure that carries nearly all global data. From online banking and streaming to AI and international communications, any disruption could have far-reaching consequences. Incidents like a cargo ship off Taiwan scraping the seabed highlight just how vulnerable these networks are. With tech giants now controlling most subsea capacity and billions being invested in protection, these fragile cables have become a new frontline in the growing U.S.–China rivalry.