Submarine cables, a tool crucial for facilitating global communication and trade, have been exploited by certain countries as a means to pilfer intelligence and further their geopolitical agendas, as revealed in an article issued by China's Ministry of State Security on Friday.

The revelation follows the exposure of materials by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, which indicated that the U.S. National Security Agency has been conducting large-scale surveillance on global submarine cables through its "Upstream" program, running parallel to the "Prism" initiative.

Submarine cables are the linchpin of international connectivity, handling 99 percent of global intercontinental communication and data flow, according to the article.

Amidst the rapid advancements in networking, digitization and intelligence, submarine cables are assuming a critical role. They are instrumental in bridging nations across vast oceans and delivering essential communication services to remote regions.

The article said that the cables hold an indispensable position within the global communication network system, highlighting their fundamental importance to the interconnected modern world.

China has made significant advancements in the submarine cable industry, establishing a complete industrial chain that includes production, surveying, construction and maintenance. Despite high technological barriers and construction difficulties, China has become a key player in the global submarine cable network. However, some countries frequently impose sanctions on Chinese companies under the guise of national security, aiming to contain and suppress the development of related industries in China.

The ministry said it is committed to upholding the overarching national security strategy and vigilantly safeguarding against and taking legal action to counteract the infiltration, sabotage, and espionage activities conducted by foreign entities targeting the country's underwater critical infrastructure and transnational data flows.