Chile Faced Diplomatic Pressure Over Undersea Data Cable
A proposed 19,873-kilometer fiber-optic link between Chile and China remains under government review.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Data Centers
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The Chilean government is currently reviewing a permit for the US$500 million Chile-China Express undersea cable project, which would connect Concón to Hong Kong. The proposed infrastructure has drawn intense opposition from the United States, which claims Chinese control could threaten regional security and intelligence.
Why it matters
Undersea cables carry more than 95% of global data traffic, making them critical nodes in geopolitical influence. Washington argues that reliance on Chinese-operated telecommunications infrastructure risks compromising intelligence, while proponents contend the project would diversify routes currently dominated by paths through the U.S.
The proposed 19,873-kilometer Chile-China Express cable is valued at US$500 million. This compares to the Google-backed Humboldt cable, which spans 14,800 kilometers and is slated for operation by 2027 or 2028.
The players
China Mobile International
A state-backed telecommunications operator that provides global connectivity services and operates international infrastructure.
A major technology firm that develops cloud computing platforms and invests in undersea cable infrastructure like the Humboldt project.
The details
Undersea cables serve as the physical foundation for global internet traffic by transmitting data through thin glass strands laid on the seafloor. The project, proposed for operation by a subsidiary of China Mobile International, would utilize long-range optical transmission to connect South America directly to East Asia. The application process, which has seen fluctuating official support, is currently being evaluated by Chilean authorities against a backdrop of international pressure and security concerns.
Timeline
January 2016: Proposal initially presented to the Chinese government.
27 January 2026: Telecoms ministry signed the concession decree.
20 February 2026: The United States announced visa restrictions for three Chilean officials.
22 September 2026: Chile joined 14 other nations in a digital infrastructure declaration.
28 September 2026: The Minister confirmed the cable application remains under review.
The Tech Race
The project tests the limits of the 2026 declaration on trusted supplier regulations signed by Chile and 14 other nations. It follows a pattern of heightened competition for control over undersea pathways, setting the proposed Chinese-backed link against the U.S.-supported Humboldt project.
The potential deployment of this cable would create a new direct data route between South America and East Asia, bypassing current trans-Pacific hubs. Whether this project proceeds depends on the outcome of the current government review, with no confirmed construction or activation timeline.
The takeaway
The project highlights the increasing tension between national security interests and the demand for global data infrastructure. Observers should track the Chilean government's final permit decision and the status of the competing Humboldt cable to determine the future of trans-Pacific data routes.
Further reading
For broader context on how infrastructure affects global connectivity, see our coverage of Data Centers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
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