The 5th Communication Cable Protection Policy Week was launched in Shanghai on July 15, 2026, spearheaded by the Information and Communication Administration of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, together with other government bodies and enterprises.
The event’s theme is “Protecting Submarine Cables Together.” It aims to integrate resources from multiple sources to carry out comprehensive and multi-level legal and public awareness campaigns, fostering a societal framework of shared participation and coordinated governance for cable safety.
Three key approaches define the initiative. First, targeted awareness activities focus on two main groups: maritime operators and coastal residents, with further segmented outreach to heads of shipping companies, front-line crew members, port and marine workers, and fishing village communities, ensuring full coverage of these critical populations.
Second, equal emphasis is placed on legal education and practical skills. The campaign systematically covers laws and regulations on cable protection, clarifies legal liabilities for violations, and imparts technical knowledge such as cable identification, protection zone demarcation, operational risk avoidance, and emergency response. Typical cases are used as cautionary examples to enhance safety competencies through prevention and lessons learned.
Third, innovative and multi-dimensional methods are employed. Cable protection promotion is embedded into routine maritime patrols, law enforcement, and grassroots governance through on-site talks, SMS push notifications, and new media outreach, aiming to normalize publicity and build a strong culture of awareness.
The launch ceremony saw participation from the High Technology Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, the Sea and Island Management Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Fishery Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Enforcement Department of China Coast Guard. Corporate representatives from China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Information and Communication Technologies Group also attended, along with members of the Shanghai communication cable protection joint conference and local maritime practitioners.