China’s Shocking New Deep-Sea Weapon: 1st Ever Cable-Cutting Device Unveiled
China has unveiled a groundbreaking device capable of cutting through the world’s toughest undersea cables at record depths. Developed by top marine research institutions, this tool integrates with China’s advanced submersibles, allowing precise operations in extreme underwater conditions. These cables are critical to global communication, carrying 95% of the world’s data, including financial transactions and military intelligence. Unlike traditional methods that struggle against reinforced steel, this new cutter uses a high-speed, diamond-coated grinding wheel to slice through with minimal disruption.
While China claims it is for deep-sea mining and resource exploration, security experts warn of its potential for military use, especially in geopolitical conflicts. If deployed strategically, it could cripple key infrastructure like the undersea cables near Guam, a vital hub for U.S. military and civilian networks. Meanwhile, China continues expanding its deep-sea capabilities, constructing an underwater research station and growing its fleet of submersibles. Whether this new technology is a step toward scientific progress or a powerful tool for strategic dominance remains a pressing global concern.
China’s Shocking New Deep-Sea Weapon: 1st Ever Cable-Cutting Device Unveiled
China has introduced a groundbreaking tool capable of cutting through the world’s toughest undersea cables at extreme depths. Developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC) and the State Key Laboratory of Deep-Sea Manned Vehicles, this advanced device works in conjunction with China’s latest submersibles, including the Fendouzhe (Striver) and the Haidou series. This marks the first time a country has publicly acknowledged possessing such a capability, raising both technological and security concerns worldwide.
A Game-Changing Innovation
Undersea cables play a crucial role in global communication, transmitting nearly 95% of the world’s data, including financial transactions, military operations, and everyday internet services. A device with the ability to cut these cables could have far-reaching consequences. While China presents the tool as a step forward in deep-sea engineering, its potential use in geopolitical conflicts has sparked significant alarm among security experts.
How the Device Works
Severing undersea cables is extremely difficult due to their reinforced steel structure, which is designed to withstand both natural forces and potential tampering. To tackle this challenge, a team of Chinese engineers led by Hu Haolong created an innovative cutting mechanism. The device features a diamond-coated grinding wheel measuring 150mm (six inches) in diameter, spinning at an impressive 1,600 revolutions per minute. This high-speed rotation allows it to slice through the toughest materials while minimizing disturbance to the seabed.
The cutter is powered by a one-kilowatt motor with an 8:1 gear reducer, ensuring consistent and powerful torque distribution. However, operating at such depths for extended periods presents challenges, including the risk of overheating. To function in extreme underwater conditions, the device is encased in a titanium alloy shell with oil-compensated seals, preventing damage from the immense water pressure at depths of up to 4,000 meters. The machine is controlled by robotic arms in near-zero visibility and relies on advanced positioning systems for precision.
Security Implications and Military Concerns
Although China insists this tool is intended for deep-sea mining and salvage operations, defense analysts are concerned about its potential for military use. Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Raymond Powell, a maritime security expert at Stanford University, has warned that China has a track record of using unconventional methods to gain strategic advantages.
One of the biggest concerns is the potential impact on key communication hubs such as Guam, a crucial node in the U.S. Indo-Pacific military network. Multiple undersea cables run through the area, supporting both military and civilian communication networks, including services operated by Google. If these lines were deliberately cut during a geopolitical crisis, it could severely disrupt military coordination, financial markets, and global communications.
Powell emphasized that this technology is not just a minor disruption but a serious security threat. “Beijing has the capability to inflict far more damage if it chooses to,” he stated, highlighting the increasing risks associated with undersea infrastructure vulnerabilities.
China’s Expanding Presence in Deep-Sea Exploration
China has been rapidly advancing its underwater technology and now boasts the world’s largest fleet of manned and unmanned submersibles. Recently, the country began constructing an underwater research facility in the South China Sea, positioned 2,000 meters below the surface. This deep-sea “space station” is designed to accommodate six people for long-duration missions, further strengthening China’s dominance in marine research and technology.
In contrast, the United States and Japan are struggling to keep pace. The U.S. deep-sea fleet is aging, and Japan’s only manned submersible, the Shinkai 6500, is approaching retirement with no clear replacement plan in sight.
Rising Threats to Undersea Infrastructure
The introduction of this new cable-cutting device comes amid growing concerns about the security of undersea infrastructure. Since 2023, there have been at least 11 cases of unexplained damage to underwater cables in the Baltic Sea, raising suspicions of sabotage. Taiwan has also reported increasing incidents of cable disruptions, with authorities recently seizing a Chinese-operated cargo ship suspected of tampering with communication lines. In 2025 alone, Taiwan reported five such incidents—more than the total number recorded in the previous two years combined.
China’s Justification and Strategic Goals
Despite security concerns, Chinese researchers insist that this tool is meant solely for marine resource development. Hu Haolong’s team has stated that as global nations shift their focus toward the ocean for future resource exploitation, it is essential to enhance deep-sea technology. They describe the 21st century as “the century of the oceans” and emphasize that strengthening marine capabilities aligns with China’s broader vision of becoming a leading maritime power.
The Bigger Picture
China’s advancements in deep-sea technology highlight its growing influence in underwater operations. With a rapidly expanding fleet, advanced research stations, and now a powerful undersea cable-cutting device, the country is establishing itself as a dominant force in the maritime domain. Whether these developments will be used primarily for scientific progress or as tools for strategic leverage remains a significant concern for global security. Governments and defense experts worldwide are closely watching as China continues to push the boundaries of deep-sea engineering and geopolitical influence.