The Urgent Need to Secure Global Communications

With over 99% of the world's digital communications relying on subsea cables and every industry and business depending on satellites for day-to-day operations, emerging threats from nations developing anti-satellite (ASAT) technologies pose a significant risk to global stability. Our heavy reliance on satellites for financial transactions, international trade, and navigation—especially through systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS)—creates a single point of failure that could have catastrophic consequences if compromised.

China's strategic initiatives, such as the "Space Silk Road" or space information corridor, aim to expand its influence by providing countries with access to its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. While this enhances global connectivity, it also increases dependencies on Chinese technology and infrastructure. China has demonstrated a willingness to leverage these technological solutions to support state-sponsored espionage activities and data manipulation. Nations that rely solely on Chinese systems without diversifying their technological partnerships risk exposing themselves to these vulnerabilities.

The United States, Europe, and the rest of the world now find themselves at a pivotal juncture. The fragmentation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the rise of China's BeiDou system not only enhance China's ability to exert soft power and influence over international standards and emerging technologies but also highlight how vulnerable and reliant the world is on satellites for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.

In stark contrast to Europe and the U.S., China has strategically diversified its satellite navigation and timing infrastructure through its "PNT Resilience Triad," which includes space-based signals, terrestrial broadcasts, and fiber-optic networks. By preparing for a scenario where satellite-based communications might be disrupted, China is enhancing its resilience while the rest of the world remains largely unprepared. The completion of China's enhanced Long Range Navigation (eLoran) network and a 20,000 km fiber timing network with 294 stations provides redundancy that safeguards against the failure of any single system. By achieving remarkable accuracy with differential eLoran, China has positioned itself to maintain critical communication capabilities even in the face of targeted attacks against satellites.

This strategic diversification offers China a considerable advantage in both civilian and military domains. By not being solely dependent on space-based systems, China reduces its vulnerability to ASAT technologies and other forms of disruption. Western nations, on the other hand, must recognize that their heavy reliance on satellites represents a critical vulnerability that adversaries could exploit.

The imperative is clear: the United States, Europe, and their allies must invest in developing robust, non-satellite communication solutions. This includes expanding terrestrial networks like eLoran, enhancing fiber-optic infrastructures, and exploring new technologies that provide redundancy and resilience. Diversifying PNT services across multiple platforms will mitigate the risk of a single point of failure and protect against emerging threats.

Furthermore, investing in these alternative infrastructures is not just about matching China's capabilities; it's about securing our own. By developing and implementing resilient communication systems, we can reduce the risk of espionage, protect our critical infrastructure, and maintain the integrity of our financial systems. It also positions us to better support developing nations, offering them secure alternatives that do not compromise their sovereignty or expose them to undue influence.

In a world where the question is not if but when our satellite and subsea communication lines could be compromised, proactive measures are essential. The development of alternative communication pathways is not just a technological challenge but a strategic necessity. By investing in non-satellite solutions, we can secure our global communications, protect our economies, and maintain the stability that is essential for international progress.