The announcement has triggered alarm bells in Washington and other Western capitals. Credit: David Monniaux / Creative Commons
China is moving decisively to expand its influence over global digital infrastructure, and Latin America has become one of its most strategic targets. Through a new generation of submarine internet cables, Beijing aims to strengthen connectivity between Asia and the region, reshaping the balance of power in global communications. For many Latin American countries, however, this ambition arrives at a moment when faster, cheaper and more reliable digital connections are badly needed.
In an increasingly digital world, control over critical infrastructure is no longer just an economic issue but a geopolitical one. Submarine internet cables — often described as the hidden motorways of the digital economy — underpin almost every online activity, from video calls and online shopping to social media and cloud computing. Whoever builds and manages these networks gains influence over data flows, costs and technological development.
The invisible backbone of the internet
Submarine cables are fibre-optic systems laid across the seabed, linking continents and allowing vast quantities of data to travel at extraordinary speeds. Despite satellites capturing the public imagination, around 99 per cent of international data traffic depends on these underwater cables, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
Their importance is rarely noticed by the general public, yet their impact is constant. Internet speed, stability and price are all shaped by the quality and capacity of these cables, making them essential for modern economies and daily life alike.
A strategic deal with Chile
China’s latest move in the region centres on a proposed submarine cable linking Chile directly with Hong Kong under the name “Chile–China Express”. The project, agreed in principle with the Chilean authorities, aims to improve connectivity between Latin America and Asia, reducing dependence on routes dominated by Europe and the United States.
However, the initiative has raised concerns due to a lack of transparency. So far, there is little public information about timelines, budgets or technical details. Critics argue that this opacity fuels suspicion, although supporters point out that similar secrecy has surrounded projects led by US and European companies.
Western concerns and double standards
The announcement has triggered alarm bells in Washington and other Western capitals. The main concern is the close relationship between Chinese companies and the state, particularly regarding data access and intelligence cooperation. Under Chinese law, companies can be required to share data with government authorities, even when operating abroad.
Yet this criticism is often met with accusations of hypocrisy. The United States and several European powers also exert significant control over data handled by companies under their jurisdiction. For Latin America, the debate highlights a long-standing dilemma: choosing between competing global powers while seeking the best economic and technological outcome.
Digital power and geopolitical influence
Control over submarine cables increasingly translates into geopolitical leverage. These networks influence digital governance, data privacy and national security, not only for the country hosting the cable but for entire regions connected to it.
For Latin America, which has traditionally relied on infrastructure built by US and European firms, China’s entry offers diversification. At the same time, it raises questions about long-term dependence and strategic autonomy in the digital sphere.
China’s growing technical footprint
Chinese companies have spent years building expertise in the design, manufacture and installation of submarine cable systems. According to a report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Chinese firms have already laid more than 70,000 kilometres of submarine cables across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
By the end of 2024, China had invested in 17 international submarine cable systems already in operation and was involved in several more under construction. This rapid expansion has positioned Chinese firms as major global players in a sector once dominated by Western companies.
Lower costs and development opportunities
Supporters of China’s involvement argue that it has helped expand global production capacity and reduce network costs, particularly for developing countries. Improved connectivity can attract investment in fields such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while enabling business models based on e-commerce, telemedicine and remote services.
From this perspective, submarine cables are comparable to historic trade arteries such as the Suez Canal — shared infrastructure that supports global economic growth rather than serving a single nation’s interests.
Global contractors and regional projects
Companies such as HMN Tech and FiberHome Marine Network Equipment have become leading international contractors, delivering and upgrading cable systems across Asia, Africa and island nations. HMN Tech alone has supplied more than 100,000 kilometres of submarine cable systems in over 70 countries.
Recent projects, including a cable network connecting islands in the Maldives, have been praised locally for improving high-speed coverage and strengthening digital resilience — key factors for economic development in vulnerable regions.
A delicate balance for Latin America
As data traffic continues to surge worldwide, the need for resilient and diverse cable networks is becoming urgent. For Latin America, China’s investment offers faster connections to Asia and the promise of technological growth.
Yet the challenge lies in balancing opportunity with caution. Submarine cables may be out of sight on the ocean floor, but their influence reaches deep into national economies, political relations and the digital lives of millions.
