IC Series| Wired Secrets, Shattered Skies: Why MH370 Disappeared

Was Zhang compromised? Reports suggest yes. The intelligence monitoring group [REDACTED] allegedly surveilled her communications and movement, opening Pandora’s box to potential data breaches concerning SEA-ME-WE 5’s structural plans, encryption methods, and geopolitical significance.

Over the years, I have discussed underwater cable systems because they are a geopolitical battleground. Few speak of and understand this topic well enough to discuss it. I have covered these topics on many radio shows. You can use toresaid.com, search for the term “underwater cables,” and find the audio cast.

Why does a cutting-edge submarine cable system and Cerebus investments tie back to the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370? How does a secured undersea telecom network morph into a geopolitical chessboard? The convergence of advanced communication infrastructure, mysterious incidents, and global rivalry paints a chilling yet fascinating picture. Strap in as we explore the intricate threads connecting SEA-ME-WE 5, the infamous MH370 incident, and the international strategies of telecom giants.

Buckle up. The sharks aren’t just in the ocean anymore.

The South East Asia – Middle East – Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE 5) submarine cable project represents a landmark effort to bolster global internet infrastructure and address the ever-increasing demand for connectivity and data capacity. Conceptualized and planned over eight years, SEA-ME-WE 5 was strategically designed to enhance communication links between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe, regions critical to global commerce and geopolitical interaction. The project officially concluded its Construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&MA) on March 7, 2014. It marked a crucial step forward in international collaboration among telecom giants and governments to ensure seamless, secure, and high-speed communication across continents.

The implementation of SEA-ME-WE 5 sought to address three fundamental goals: improving high-speed connectivity between Asia and Europe, increasing data capacity to accommodate the exponential rise in internet usage, and enhancing the security and reliability of international communications. This submarine cable, spanning approximately 20,000 kilometers, connects multiple key landing stations in Singapore, India, the Middle East, and France. With its cutting-edge optical fiber technology, SEA-ME-WE 5 promised data transfer speeds of up to 100 Gbps per wavelength, significantly reducing latency and ensuring faster, more reliable communications for businesses, governments, and individuals. The cable was co-developed by a consortium comprising over 15 major telecom operators, including China Telecom Global, Singtel, Orange, and Telecom Italia Sparkle.

The increasing dependence on submarine cables for global communication underscores the project’s significance. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), submarine cables facilitate over 95% of international data traffic, supporting essential services such as banking, communications, defense, and scientific research. The reliability of SEA-ME-WE 5 is thus integral to maintaining the global flow of information and commerce. Furthermore, the project adhered to various international regulations, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs the laying of submarine cables in international waters, and the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) to mitigate risks during cable-laying operations. The involvement of multiple jurisdictions required meticulous coordination to ensure compliance with local laws and permit requirements, particularly in geopolitically sensitive regions such as the South China Sea.

However, the implementation of SEA-ME-WE 5 was not without its challenges. The geopolitical complexities in regions like the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca posed significant hurdles, with delays caused by disputes over territorial waters and national security concerns. Notably, on August 29, 2019, the U.S. government moved to delay the construction of a new 8,000-mile undersea cable linking America and China, citing concerns over espionage and the potential for backdoor wiretapping. Such incidents highlight the strategic importance of submarine cables and the vulnerabilities they pose to national security.

Ultimately, SEA-ME-WE 5 exemplifies the intricate intersection of technological advancement, international cooperation, and geopolitical strategy. The project’s successful completion has impacted global connectivity, enabling more robust and secure communication networks. Yet, it also serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the infrastructure that supports the digital age, where geopolitical tensions and security concerns continue to influence the landscape of international telecommunications.

SEA-ME-WE 5: A Gigantic Leap in Telecom Innovation

The Driving Vision Behind SEA-ME-WE 5

The South East Asia – Middle East – Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE 5) project is a testament to humankind’s insatiable hunger for faster, more reliable communication. Spanning 20,000 kilometers, this submarine cable connects 17 countries, acting as a digital artery between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Coordinated by an international consortium led by giants such as China Telecom Global (CTG), Singtel, and Orange (formerly France Telecom), the project envisioned a future of seamless connectivity. Successfully operating in adverse conditions like underwater currents and geopolitical tension zones, the cable bolstered nations’ economic strength, data capacity, and telecommunication reliability.

But March 7, 2014, changed the narrative. The consortium signed the Construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&MA) in Kuala Lumpur. A day later, the world woke to a tragedy that shifted focus from innovation to uncertainty.

Submarine Cables as Geopolitical Battlegrounds

The Strategic Gold Beneath the Waves

Undersea cables power 95% of global internet traffic, forming the backbone of civilian communication and military operations. Trillions of dollars worth of financial transactions rely on these cables daily. Yet beyond their utility lies their vulnerability.

Submarine cable networks are intrinsically tied to national security and economic clout, making them prime real estate for geopolitical maneuvering. SEA-ME-WE 5 was no exception. The competition between China’s telecom giants and Western players such as Alcatel-Lucent (later acquired by Nokia) was fierce. At stake was not just telecom dominance but also control over data sovereignty.

America’s Wary Gaze

The United States, wary of China’s expanding technological ecosystem, viewed SEA-ME-WE 5 through a competitive lens. Entrenched in the U.S., surveillance programs like PRISM and Upstream monitor undersea cables against perceived threats. Yet the irony remains—the infrastructure meant to transmit knowledge often becomes the stage for information warfare.

The provocative timeline of SEA-ME-WE 5’s finalization and MH370’s disappearance invites deeper scrutiny into whether the project was a straightforward advancement in global telecommunications or a high-stakes geopolitical gambit. Was SEA-ME-WE 5 purely an infrastructure upgrade intended to meet the rising demand for international data capacity, or was it a battlefield for competing powers seeking to assert control over the arteries of the digital economy? The implications of Zhang’s compromise suggest that the line between technological progress and strategic warfare is increasingly blurred.

For skeptics, the sequence of events — the culmination of SEA-ME-WE 5’s planning, Zhang’s role in its execution, and her tragic endpoints the possibility of deliberate action designed to safeguard or disrupt strategic interests. For strategists, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities inherent in global undersea networks, where national security, espionage, and economic dominance intersect. In a world where 95% of international communications rely on submarine cables, any disruption, manipulation, or exploitation of these networks has far-reaching consequences for global security and commerce.

Submarine cables are not just conduits for data; they are geopolitical assets and liabilities.

The Geopolitical Context of Undersea Cable Rivalries

China and the West Lock Horns

China’s accelerated foray into global telecom expansion—manifested in projects like SEA-ME-WE 5—has sent ripples through geopolitical waters. Alternatively, the United States and allied Western nations have taken measures to maintain their foothold on global digital surveillance networks, often targeting Chinese-led consortiums. For example, in 2019, the U.S. blocked an 8,000-mile cable project deemed a “national security threat.”

Beyond public diplomacy, these rivalries echo within confidential incident reports (CIRs) that detail sensitive projects like SEA-ME-WE 5. Such CIRs—like CIR-04567.45—prove the intersection of economics, espionage, and strategy.

Pioneering Technology Clouded by Shadows

The intricate web linking SEA-ME-WE 5, Zhang, and MH370 illustrates the enigmatic forces shaping 21st-century telecommunications. Beneath the surface of advanced technology lies a far-reaching battleground of competition, innovation, and geopolitical power plays.

Do unexplained incidents like MH370 serve as glimpses into struggles hidden from public view? Do they reflect the collateral costs of global ambition?

The SEA-ME-WE 5 Cable System: Global Connectivity with a Side of Vulnerability

SEA-ME-WE 5 Timeline and Context

The SEA-ME-WE 5 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5) undersea cable system is emblematic of the triumphs—and risks—of global connectivity. Signed into existence on March 7, 2014, in Kuala Lumpur and operational by December 2016, this cable system links Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. It was designed to elevate global data transmission, symbolizing a technological feat and a geopolitical chessboard.

But a shadow fell over its significance just a day after SEA-ME-WE 5’s jubilant signing ceremony.

The Zhang Connection

Ms. Zhang’s presence aboard MH370 introduced a shadow of intrigue into SEA-ME-WE 5’s development. With deep insights into the cable’s logistical vulnerabilities and geopolitical stakes, Zhang’s importance raises pointed questions about the timing of her loss.

Was Zhang compromised? Reports suggest yes. The intelligence monitoring group [REDACTED] allegedly surveilled her communications and movement, opening Pandora’s box to potential data breaches concerning SEA-ME-WE 5’s structural plans, encryption methods, and geopolitical significance.

Theories abound. Could foreign intelligence have tampered with MH370 to destabilize China’s telecom dominance? Could Zhang’s knowledge have rendered her a high-value target for espionage? Or was the loss simply an unfathomable tragedy in tandem with high-stakes geopolitical proceedings? What remains undeniable is that Zhang’s compromised status added an unsettling new layer to an already complex narrative around MH370.

Zhang, Surveillance, and the SEA-ME-WE 5 Fallout: A Deeper Analysis of the Implications

The alleged surveillance of Hualian “Happy” Zhang, co-chair of Network Planning for China Telecom Global, and her tragic disappearance on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 introduced a cascade of risks and suspicions surrounding the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable project and the broader global undersea network infrastructure. The convergence of Zhang’s involvement in SEA-ME-WE 5 and the timing of her disappearance on March 8, 2014 — just one day after the conclusion of the project’s Construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&MA) — raises critical concerns that ripple through international security, cybersecurity, and global communications policy.

Zhang’s potential compromise suggests that SEA-ME-WE 5 may have been a target of extensive espionage efforts before it became operational. Espionage campaigns likely aimed to exploit the design vulnerabilities of the cable system, tapping into sensitive data flows and enabling state and non-state actors to surveil communications between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The nature of submarine cable technology — with landing points scattered across various jurisdictions — makes such infrastructure particularly susceptible to infiltration. Intelligence agencies, such as the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) through programs like Upstream and PRISM, have historically leveraged undersea cables for mass surveillance, as revealed by the Edward Snowden disclosures. The involvement of high-profile telecom executives like Zhang in these projects may have made her a prime target for such surveillance activities, either to extract critical information or to disrupt operations.

Furthermore, if Zhang’s surveillance compromised SEA-ME-WE 5’s infrastructure before its operationalization, it could have presented significant sabotage opportunities. Submarine cables are inherently vulnerable to both physical and cyber sabotage. Delays or compromises during the construction phase could allow for the insertion of backdoors or malware into network management systems, making the infrastructure susceptible to manipulation or shutdowns. In August 2019, the U.S. government delayed the construction of an 8,000-mile undersea cable linking America and China, citing concerns about backdoor access and national security. The SEA-ME-WE 5 project, involving a consortium that included Chinese state-linked carriers, faced similar concerns, particularly given the increasing competition between Western and Chinese telecom providers like Ericsson and Huawei.

The fallout from Zhang’s disappearance also exacerbated geopolitical tensions. Suspicion of intentional interference — whether by state actors or covert operatives — has fueled distrust and strategic posturing between global powers. The South China Sea, a region fraught with territorial disputes and strategic rivalries, is crucial in undersea cable routes. Projects like SEA-ME-WE 5 traverse these contested waters, making them geopolitical flashpoints. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs maritime activities, offers limited protection in such scenarios, as enforcement mechanisms are weak. The strategic significance of these cables means that policymakers and intelligence analysts view any incident involving key personnel like Zhang with skepticism.

The only traces of MH370 were scattered pieces of debris that washed ashore on distant beaches, fragments of a puzzle that refused to be completed.

Until today, the plane has never been found in totality according to reports finding parts…. if you believe them. In 2017, the private firm Ocean Infinity took up the search, deploying underwater drones capable of scouring the ocean floor in detail. They, too, came back empty-handed. The Malaysian government’s final report, published in 2018, admitted that the lack of evidence prevented any definitive conclusions. The report acknowledged a series of human errors, technical failures, and lost opportunities for intervention. Still, the heart of the mystery—the reason for the disappearance—remained shrouded in the deep.

Cabotage Policies and Infrastructure Bottlenecks

Malaysia’s Cabotage Exemption

National policies often exacerbate the fragility of undersea cable systems. Until recently, Malaysia’s cabotage law blocked foreign vessels from repairing submarine cables within its waters, delaying vital maintenance and causing prolonged disruptions. However, in 2024, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced a progressive exemption for foreign vessels, effective June 1, 2024.

This decision signifies a significant step forward in mitigating the inefficiencies plaguing SEA-ME-WE 5 and other cable networks. But broader questions remain—how many similar policies worldwide undermine the integrity of this critical infrastructure, and at what cost to global businesses tethered to uninterrupted connectivity?

The Repeated Breaches of Undersea Connectivity

The Fragility of the Asia-America Gateway Cable

Between late 2013 and 2014, the Asia-America Gateway (AAG), a cable system connecting Southeast Asia to the U.S., suffered repeated breaks near Vung Tau, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Internet disruptions cascaded across the region, impacting major Vietnamese providers like Viettel, VNPT, and FPT.

Incidents underscore recurring threats posed by human activities—such as fishing and anchoring—and natural upheavals. But what if these fractures weren’t accidental? Could state or private actors exploit this infrastructure for tactical gains?

SEA-ME-WE 5 is pivotal in global communications, facilitating data transmission across continents. Ongoing discussions and plans for new undersea cables in the region underscore its strategic importance. For instance, as of December 2024, Singaporean asset manager Keppel and Vietnamese conglomerate Sovico Group are in talks to lay new undersea fiber-optic cables to enhance the region’s data center industry. There is a growing demand for connectivity and the continuous evolution of global communication infrastructure.

Sabotage in Plain Sight

If you think cable sabotage is a far-off conspiracy, think again. Recent incidents demonstrate just how accurate these scenarios are:

• February 2023: Submarine cables near Taiwan’s Matsu Islands were severed, allegedly by Chinese vessels. The motives? Strategic posturing in an increasingly tense U.S.-China rivalry.
• November 2021: An underwater observatory in Norway was the victim of deliberate tampering, and its scientific equipment was mysteriously stripped away.
• October 2023: Investigatory entities in Sweden reported damage to cables connecting Sweden and Estonia, heightening suspicions about geopolitical sabotage in the Baltic region.
• December 2024: Chinese-Flagged Ship Cut Baltic Sea Internet Cables

The chilling ease with which an actor can sever a cable, requiring little more than a vessel and essential equipment, reveals the systemic vulnerability of an infrastructure on which billions rely. The Chinese ships usually drag their anchors to get the job done.

Geopolitical Clashes for Cable Control

Battle Lines in the Ocean’s Depths

Undersea cables have become battlegrounds for geopolitical dominance. Depending on who controls them, they offer both opportunity and liability. Consider the ongoing friction between the U.S. and China. Washington has blocked several undersea cable projects designed to connect with China, citing concerns over espionage directly. At the same time, Beijing capitalizes on firms like Huawei Marine to challenge Western companies like Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson.

Control over undersea cable networks isn’t just about data transfer—it’s about surveillance, diplomacy, and leverage. National security and the stability of the global economy are at stake.

Corruption and Industry Challenges

Alcatel-Lucent’s Bribery Scandal

No discussion of undersea cable challenges would be complete without addressing systemic corruption. Alcatel-Lucent, a key player in the cabling industry, paid $137 million in 2010 to settle bribery charges related to contracts in Malaysia, Taiwan, Costa Rica, and Honduras. This exposé of unethical practices raises questions about the integrity of critical infrastructure projects. If corruption can influence cable deployment, what other compromises could jeopardize global security?

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) is a French software company headquartered in Colombes, France. It provides communication equipment and services to telecommunications companies, ISPs, and data providers. In 2014, China Huaxin Post and Telecom Technologies acquired Alcatel-Lucent’s enterprise division, establishing ALE as a separate entity.

The Larger Ramifications of Cable Vulnerabilities

A single attack or accident affecting undersea cables does far more than disrupt internet connections. Consider these scenarios:

• Global Internet Access collapses, influencing industries from e-commerce to education.
• Financial Systems halt, paralyzing economies dependent on connectivity for transactions.
• Military Communications falter, leaving nations vulnerable.

Beyond connectivity, interruptions or sabotage could destabilize energy markets reliant on offshore oil and gas platforms.

Securing the Future of Undersea Cables

The dependency on undersea cables carries a paradox—they tie the global economy together while exposing a weak point ripe for exploitation. To secure these lifelines:

• Global cooperation is essential to monitor and repair cables, with international maritime laws bolstered against deliberate interference.
• State-of-the-art surveillance technology embedded within cable systems can make sabotage detectable.
• Accountability mechanisms are critical to eliminating corruption when deploying and maintaining these systems.

Which company is responsible for handling undersea cable projects that support U.S. national interests?

SUBCOM LLC

SubCom LLC, headquartered in Eatontown, New Jersey, USA, is a leading provider of submarine cable systems, specializing in delivering critical infrastructure for global telecommunications, oil and gas industries, and government clients. The company is renowned for its expertise in designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining undersea fiber-optic cables, which form the backbone of modern international communication networks. SubCom has successfully executed numerous high-profile projects, reflecting its reputation for reliability and innovation. Notable projects include Google’s Dunant Cable, which connects the United States to France and enhances transatlantic data capacity; the Havfrue/AEC-2 Cable, linking the U.S. with Denmark, Ireland, and Norway to support Europe’s growing data needs; and the Trans-Pacific Express Cable, a crucial connection between the U.S. and key locations in the Asia-Pacific region. These projects underscore SubCom’s pivotal role in advancing global connectivity and supporting U.S. strategic interests through secure and efficient data transmission.

Tyco Electronics (TE) Subsea Communications was formerly a division of Tyco International, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and deployment of undersea communication systems. This division was crucial in building and maintaining global submarine cable infrastructure, supporting the increasing demand for international telecommunications, data transmission, and internet connectivity. Following a corporate restructuring, TE Subsea Communications became part of TE Connectivity, a global technology leader focused on connectivity and sensor solutions. In 2018, the division was divested and rebranded as SubCom LLC after being acquired by Cerberus Capital Management. Under its new identity,

Here is where it gets interesting; let’s rewind. TE Connectivity Ltd. is a Swiss-domiciled technology company specializing in designing and manufacturing connectors, sensors, and electronic components. These products serve various industries, including automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, industrial equipment, medical devices, and energy.

In 2018, TE Connectivity completed the divestiture of its submarine communications division, SubCom, to the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management for $325 million. This strategic sale allowed TE Connectivity to sharpen its focus on its core markets, particularly connectivity and sensor solutions for industries such as automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, and industrial automation. SubCom, known for its expertise in designing, manufacturing, and deploying undersea fiber-optic cable systems, was a key player in global communications infrastructure, facilitating the flow of data across continents and supporting vital telecom, oil and gas, and government projects. The decision to divest SubCom aligned with TE Connectivity’s long-term vision of expanding in sectors that leverage their innovations in high-performance connectors, sensors, and electronic components. For Cerberus Capital Management, the acquisition represented an opportunity to invest in a business critical to the global digital economy. SubCom continues to play a pivotal role in laying and maintaining the world’s undersea cable networks. This divestiture marked a significant shift for both companies, allowing TE Connectivity to streamline operations while enabling SubCom to thrive under new ownership with a renewed focus on undersea communications infrastructure.

SubCom LLC, a leading provider of undersea fiber-optic cable systems, is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, a global private equity firm. In November 2018, Cerberus acquired SubCom from TE Connectivity and rebranded the business as SubCom LLC upon completion of the transaction. Cerberus is Headquartered in Eatontown, New Jersey; SubCom specializes in designing, manufacturing, deploying, and maintaining submarine cable systems that facilitate global data and communication transmissions. Cerberus Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm, has made strategic investments in maritime infrastructure and undersea technology. In 2022, Cerberus purchased the Subic Bay shipyard in the Philippines, a former U.S. naval base with strategic significance. This facility is being developed to support various maritime activities, including shipbuilding and repair. Notably, SubCom LLC, a Cerberus subsidiary, has established a deployment center at Subic Bay to enhance its subsea cable operations. In addition Cerberus gained involvement in the production of sonobuoys—deployable sonar systems used for submarine detection critical in anti-submarine warfare.

In summary the disappearance of Hualian “Happy” Zhang, a key figure in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) submarine cable project and co-chair of network planning for China Telecom Global (CTG), raises questions that go beyond the tragic mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Zhang’s role in one of the most strategically significant submarine cable projects of the decade places her disappearance at the nexus of geopolitical intrigue, technological competition, and national security. Given her access to critical information regarding global communication infrastructure, two primary theories emerge: one implicating Western intelligence agencies, and the other pointing to internal Chinese interests.

In the context of a fierce global struggle for control over communication networks, it’s conceivable that Western entities might have sought to neutralize or co-opt Zhang. With the SEA-ME-WE 5 cable offering high-capacity, secure communication links between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and involving Chinese state-owned entities, Zhang’s insights into network topology, security protocols, and strategic partnerships would have been of immense value. Kidnapping her could have provided the West with a treasure trove of intelligence or prevented certain technologies from being implemented that might have compromised their surveillance operations.

Conversely, the possibility exists that Zhang posed a risk to Chinese national security due to the sensitive nature of her work. If she was perceived as a potential leak or if internal factions suspected she might have been compromised by foreign intelligence, silencing her could have been seen as a necessary, albeit ruthless, act of self-preservation. In an environment where corporate espionage, cyber-warfare, and state interests intersect, the lines between loyalty and liability can blur, making even high-ranking figures vulnerable to internal purges.

Ultimately, the fate of Happy Zhang may be a reflection of the broader, invisible conflict playing out beneath the oceans. Underwater cables are the true battleground for global power—fragile conduits that carry 95% of international data traffic, including financial transactions, military communications, and state secrets. The real war is fought not with guns, but with access to and control over these cables. Satellites offer visibility and redundancy, but undersea cables remain the lifeblood of modern communication. To truly uncover what happened to Zhang, we must solve the mystery of MH370. Where that plane went may hold the key to understanding who benefits from her disappearance—and what secrets were deemed too dangerous to surface.

Discussion about MH370 is inevitable, and I am preparing a detailed analysis of what really happened. My memes offer subtle clues about what was recorded at that time. Back in 2014, I was creating these memes—only a few made it to my Instagram; my other social media profiles were completely wiped out. A few months after posting them, I was dismissed from the intelligence community (IC). The dismissal wasn’t for the posts themselves but because I was caught whistleblowing. For now, rest assured you know WHY the plane vanished, next you will find out how.

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