The digital future of Southeast Asia hangs in the balance, with a trillion-dollar question mark looming over its internet lifeline. Undersea cables, the backbone of the region's digital economy, are at risk, threatening to disrupt the daily lives of millions and the region's economic growth.
Southeast Asia's digital economy, projected to surpass US$1 trillion, is heavily reliant on undersea cables for its internet connectivity. These cables, which carry over 99% of intercontinental data traffic, are the region's gateway to the world. But this reliance has created a precarious situation, as analysts warn of vulnerabilities that could bring the digital boom to a grinding halt.
The South China Sea, a strategic waterway, is at the heart of this dilemma. Most of Asean's subsea infrastructure passes through these waters, offering the fastest and most cost-effective route to the Americas. However, geopolitical tensions in this disputed area have turned the sea into a digital minefield.
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which rejected China's 'nine-dash line' claims under the UNCLOS, should have eased these tensions. But Beijing's persistent permit requirements for cable routes and repairs have kept the region's digital future in limbo. This controversial stance has delayed non-Chinese projects and deterred investors, shifting major cable investments away from the South China Sea.
The complexity doesn't end there. Subsea cables straddle multiple jurisdictions, creating a governance maze. Farlina Said highlights the dual nature of the problem: a cybersecurity challenge involving encryption and red teaming, and a maritime security issue concerning physical protection and repair rights. The question of who is responsible for these critical tasks remains unanswered.
To secure their digital future, analysts advocate for a unified front. They urge Asean to strengthen regional coordination and implement existing guidelines, such as the 2019 Asean Guidelines for Submarine Cable Resilience and Repair. A multi-stakeholder approach is essential, including exploring defense-level cooperation for cable surveillance.
The upcoming 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur presents an opportunity to address these concerns. As the region grapples with these vulnerabilities, the question remains: Can Asean navigate these turbulent digital waters and secure its trillion-dollar digital dream?
