Submarine cables, the unseen backbone of global internet connectivity, are playing a pivotal role in Asia’s digital transformation. The SEAH2X cable project, a collaboration between China and ASEAN countries, is set to enhance regional connectivity by linking China with the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. With a design capacity of 160 terabits per second, SEAH2X is not just infrastructure—it’s a digital lifeline.
The South China Sea has become a hub for these vital communication lines, with over 15 international submarine cable systems either operational or under construction, spanning more than 80,000 kilometres. Chief Engineer Mu Chunbo emphasised the importance of these cables, stating, “Submarine cables are more than business—they’re shared arteries connecting societies.”
The SEAH2X system, spearheaded by a consortium including China Mobile International, China Unicom Global, the Philippines’ Converge ICT, and Malaysia’s PPTEL, is expected to be operational by 2025. In September 2024, the cable made landfall in Bauang, La Union, on the northern coast of the Philippines. Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy highlighted the project’s significance, saying it will “strengthen regional connectivity and meet bandwidth demand for the next 10 to 15 years.”
Despite the challenges of laying cables through areas with maritime disputes, international cooperation remains crucial. Ding Hongqing, Deputy Director of the Planning and Construction Department at China Mobile, noted, “Whatever the external environment is like, we’ll always maintain an open and cooperative mindset.”
CGTN’s documentary, “Catching a Wave 2,” showcases how these efforts are quietly transforming the region, underscoring the importance of cooperation and connectivity in the digital age.
“`
