cables

Microsoft did not explain what might have caused the damage to the undersea cables, but added that it had been able to rerouted traffic through other paths.

These could allow China to carry out surveillance deep underwater and detect other submarines or even undersea cables without risking its own naval forces.

It said it had given special consideration to the "unique landscape of Upper Coquetdale", with cables running below ground "wherever possible to preserve the area's natural beauty and reduce visual impact".

It is also connected to high-speed data cables, so large amounts of data can be shifted quickly.

Besides landing on Taiwan's beaches or launching missile attacks, it could also stage air and sea blockades, or sever undersea communication cables.