Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing has argued that international regulations governing sea routes need updating to reflect their modern importance beyond traditional trade. He highlighted the growing reliance on undersea cables for critical infrastructure, specifically data and energy transmission. These cables form a vital, yet vulnerable, component of the global economy and communication networks. Minister Chan suggested current maritime rules are insufficient to address the unique security and operational considerations presented by this infrastructure. He implied a need to acknowledge the strategic significance of these undersea networks. This call for updated regulations comes amid increasing geopolitical tensions and concerns about potential disruptions to these vital links. The Minister’s comments underscore a growing awareness of the importance of protecting undersea infrastructure.