China tests deep-sea electro-hydrostatic actuator that can cut undersea cables at a depth of 3,500 meters — state hails successful trial and hints at deployment readiness

China has successfully tested a deep-sea electro-hydrostatic actuator capable of cutting undersea cables at depths of up to 3,500 meters. The state has indicated readiness for deployment of this technology, which combines hydraulics, an electric motor, and a control unit in a single device, eliminating the need for external oil piping. While the actuator has applications in repairing and building underwater oil and gas pipelines, concerns arise regarding its potential military and nefarious uses. The timing of this development is significant as undersea infrastructure, crucial for global data transmission, has become a focal point in geopolitical tensions, with instances of undersea cable disruptions involving Russia.