How just 15 undersea cables could leave Australia digitally stranded if war breaks out

Daily Mail​

6 days ago

Australia's former Deputy Secretary of Defence Mike Pezzullo has warned that the risk of war between China and Taiwan is growing rapidly - and if it breaks out, Australia will be forced to join in.
'We don't really have a choice,' he says. 'Our military, ports, bases, intelligence systems - they're all deeply tied to Americas,' he told 7News.
Pezzullo also warned that Australia's internet could be crippled if conflict breaks out.
He revealed the country is dangerously exposed, with 99 per cent of internet traffic funnelled through just 15 undersea cables.
If they were destroyed by enemy submarines or unmanned vessels, the nation would be digitally isolated, opening the way for targeted strikes on military infrastructure.
'You'd want to ensure those are protected,' Mr Pezzullo said.
'But we have no missile defence systems. We're completely bereft in that area.'
He also warned Australia's fuel security is dangerously fragile, with 90 per cent of oil and petrol coming through the South China Sea and only 60 days of reserves in storage.
Australia's big-ticket defence projects, including AUKUS nuclear submarines and new frigates, are progressing, but Mr Pezzullo says they remain years away from completion.
'That technology is improving almost monthly, but we're playing catch-up.'
Opponents of a harder stance on China point to the economic risks, but Mr Pezzullo claims that's a moot point: 'In a world war, every economy would suffer together.'
He warned that defence funding must increase to three or even three-and-a-half per cent of GDP if Australia is serious about deterring adversaries.
'Plan A is always peace through diplomacy. But if you want peace, prepare for war.'
He said Taiwan's defence spending, a little above two per cent of GDP, is nowhere near adequate for the threats it faces.
His comments come as more than 30,000 personnel from 19 countries hone their skills in the biennial military exercise Talisman Sabre, including live-fire drills and air combat operations.
The exercises are being held against the backdrop of the US pressing allies such as Australia to make clear what role they would play in a real conflict, like a potential war between America and China over Taiwan.
The US is also carrying out a review of the AUKUS security pact.
Defence analysts say it's unlikely the review would result in the $368 billion submarine program being scrapped altogether, it may mean more demands of Australia to contribute to America's industrial base.
The military drills off the coast are also expected to be monitored by China, as it has for the past four Talisman Sabre exercises.