Rebecca Tan: Escalating contest over South China Sea disrupts international cable system: China’s effort to dominate the disputed waterway is taking a toll on the network of underwater cables that provide essential #internet connectivity in Asia.

"Undersea cables below the South China Sea have long provided vital connectivity to countries in Southeast Asia as demand for internet service has surged.

To maintain the extensive network of cables and develop new ones, private cable companies have for decades relied on being able to move freely through this waterway, despite conflicting claims over the sea by China and a half dozen other governments."

#southchinasea #china #southeastasia
washingtonpost.com/world/2024/…