WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives has approved a bill aimed at preventing China and other foreign adversaries from accessing U.S. technology used in undersea communications cables.
The measure, known as the Undersea Cable Control Act, was introduced earlier this year by Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., and passed Tuesday by voice vote. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“Undersea cables are the lifeline of global communications, carrying data quickly and securely across continents,” Kean said in a statement. “While our nation maintains a competitive edge in the deployment and development of these cables, China seeks to expand its influence over one of the world’s most important communications networks. We must protect these cables from foreign interference, sabotage, or control by our adversaries.”
Undersea cables carry about 99% of transoceanic digital communications, including internet data, and underpin financial transactions exceeding $10 trillion daily in the United States, according to congressional findings. The technology contributed an estimated $649 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019.
The bill comes amid growing concerns over China’s expanding global infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese state-backed companies, including Huawei and China Telecom, have installed undersea cables on nearly every continent, raising security and economic concerns among U.S. officials and allies.
If enacted, the legislation would restrict China and other designated adversaries from acquiring American goods and technologies needed to build, maintain or operate such cables.
