The Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it plans to set rules that would block companies from connecting undersea communication cables to the United States if those cables include Chinese technology or equipment.
The agency said the move is part of broader efforts to protect U.S. communications infrastructure from foreign control and security risks. The FCC said it will also seek public comments on other steps to strengthen the security of submarine cable systems.
The United States has long expressed concerns about foreign adversaries, especially China, gaining access to internet infrastructure. More than 400 undersea cables carry about 99% of international internet traffic.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the agency is acting to prevent foreign adversary ownership, access, and related cyber or physical threats to undersea cables. He cited recent examples of suspected sabotage and interference with cables in Europe and Asia.
Since 2020, U.S. regulators have blocked at least four planned cable connections between the United States and Hong Kong. In 2023, Taiwan accused Chinese vessels of cutting two cables that provide internet access to the Matsu Islands. Other recent incidents include the cutting of cables in the Red Sea and the Baltic Sea.
The FCC last year began reviewing regulations for undersea cables and said it may ban the use of equipment or services from companies deemed national security risks, including Huawei, ZTE, China Telecom, and China Mobile.
