Rostelecom mulls underwater fiber-optic cable to Hong Kong, bypassing terrestrial routes

Russian state telecom Rostelecom is studying an underwater fiber-optic cable to Hong Kong, a move that would diversify Russia's international connectivity away from terrestrial routes through Europe and Central Asia. The project is at an exploratory stage, with no firm commitment or timeline. If realized, it would strengthen Russia-China digital infrastructure ties and reduce reliance on Western-controlled submarine cables, though technical and geopolitical hurdles remain.