Chinese Ship Suspected Of Damaging Baltic Sea Cables Evades Full Investigation

Sweden has criticised China for blocking a full investigation into a Chinese bulk carrier, Yi Peng 3, suspected of damaging two critical subsea cables in the Baltic Sea.

The vessel, which had been under scrutiny for a month, departed the region, on December 21, without allowing Swedish investigators full access.

The cables, linking Sweden to Lithuania and Finland to Germany, were damaged on November 17 and 18, 2024.

Swedish authorities identified Yi Peng 3 as a suspect after analysing data that showed the ship manoeuvring unusually near the affected sites.

Investigators also said that one of the ship’s anchors was severely twisted, and seabed markings at the damaged sites were consistent with the anchor dragging.

The Yi Peng 3, owned by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping in China, remained anchored in international waters near the Kattegat Strait under close surveillance by Danish and German forces.

Sweden, leading the investigation, pressured China to permit to board the vessel. While Chinese authorities allowed European investigators to observe their inspection, Swedish prosecutor Henrik Soderman was denied access to perform his duties.

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed frustration, calling it “remarkable” that the vessel departed without a proper inspection.

Despite the pressure, the ship avoided moving into Swedish territorial waters, where a full investigation could have been conducted.

The Yi Peng 3 is now moving toward Egypt, and the English Channel is the last point where NATO allies might act before the ship enters international waters for the remainder of its route.

This is not the first instance of suspected damage to critical infrastructure by a Chinese vessel in the Baltic Sea. In October 2023, the Newnew Polar Bear, another Chinese ship, was linked to damaging a gas pipeline during a storm.

Officials doubt that such incidents are accidental.

While some investigators believe the cable damage may have been caused by poor seamanship and anchor dragging, others suspect intentional sabotage.

Some reports also suggest possible involvement from Russia, with claims that the crew may have been paid a certain amount to carry out the acts.

Nordic and Baltic officials are concerned about the security of undersea infrastructure.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys discussed the need for stricter navigation rules in European waters to address vulnerabilities, warning that inaction could lead to dangerous consequences.

Swedish investigators, supported by Western Intelligence, are focused on finding the exact cause of the cable damage. Although initial findings reveal that Yi Peng 3 was involved, the lack of access to the ship and its crew has left many questions unanswered.

Reference: The Financial Times