Core Points - The report by researchers from the University of Melbourne accuses Chinese manufacturers of dominating the construction of underwater infrastructure, posing a threat to its safety [1][3] - The report suggests that countries in the Indo-Pacific region should enhance the resilience of underwater infrastructure and collaborate on data security through the "Quad" security dialogue mechanism [1][3] Group 1: Underwater Infrastructure and Resilience - The concept of "resilience" in underwater infrastructure primarily refers to strengthening the resilience of submarine cables to prevent secondary or tertiary impacts from cable damage [4] - Historical examples, such as the UK's "All-Red Line" policy in 1901, illustrate the importance of protecting underwater cables for national strategic and commercial interests [5] - The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) are set to establish a consulting body for submarine cable resilience by December 2024 [5] Group 2: Western Criticism and "Gray Zone Tactics" - Western think tanks have consistently criticized China's deep-sea activities, often labeling them as having malicious intent, linking them to potential damage to underwater infrastructure [3][6] - The term "gray zone tactics" refers to coercive activities that fall between peace and armed conflict, including the destruction of underwater cables and pipelines [7][9] - Recent incidents involving underwater cable disruptions have been attributed to Chinese vessels, despite investigations indicating these were accidental events [10][11] Group 3: International Cooperation and Non-State Entities - The protection of underwater infrastructure is primarily the responsibility of state actors, yet non-state entities, such as private companies, play a significant role in cable laying and investment [14][15] - The International Cable Protection Committee serves as a platform for dialogue between government and non-state entities, although many key national government agencies are not members [17][19] - The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea outlines the rights of countries to lay submarine cables, but the enforcement of these rights often lacks clarity regarding non-state actors [12][16] Group 4: China's Role and Legal Framework - China has stringent laws against the destruction of underwater cables, with penalties significantly harsher than those in other countries [11] - The international legal framework primarily addresses state responsibilities, leaving gaps in accountability for non-state actors involved in cable damage [16] - The article emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to underwater infrastructure protection, advocating for consensus among nations and non-state entities [20]