Sweden's diplomatic relations with China have taken a hit as the Nordic country criticized Beijing for denying access to investigate the Yi Peng 3, linked to the sabotage of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The damage, which occurred on November 17 and 18, 2024, raises significant concerns over the security of undersea infrastructure, which is integral to global communication networks.
The Swedish Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, voiced her frustration over China’s refusal to allow prosecutors full access to the vessel, which had been under suspicion following the severed cables incident. "Swedish police have been on board as observers in connection with the Chinese investigation. At the same time, I note China has not heeded our request for the prosecutor to conduct an investigation on board," she stated, emphasizing the lack of cooperation from Chinese authorities as the investigation progresses.
Despite China's earlier pledges of cooperation, the situation has unfolded differently. Sections of two telecom cables were found cut, prompting suspicions aimed directly at the Yi Peng 3—a bulk carrier owned by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping. Investigators pointed out the vessel’s modified course, moving unexpectedly near the locations of the cable damage around the same time the events transpired. This has led to mounting scrutiny and suspicion over the ship's actions.
Reports indicate significant involvement from multiple nations including Finland and Germany, underlining the collaborative effort to investigate this pressing issue affecting digital security across Europe. While China allowed observers from these countries to board the vessel, Sweden's insistence on having their prosecutor conduct investigations has been met with silence from Beijing.
China's response, as conveyed by government spokesperson Mao Ning, was to express disappointment, asserting it had extended invitations to Germany, Finland, and Denmark to participate fully in the inquiry. "China has provided information and documents for the open investigation. We would like all parties to complete the inquiry collaboratively," he noted, indicating Beijing's desire to maintain diplomatic channels.
Highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by undersea cables, experts have warned about the potential for geopolitical tensions to lead to more incidents of this nature. Some officials believe the cutting of the cables could either be accidental, as purportedly indicated by poor seamanship, or may point toward intentional sabotage—especially considering another recent case where the Newnew Polar Bear, another Chinese vessel, was involved with damaging gas pipeline infrastructure during adverse conditions.
Adding to the narrative, there are also suggestions surrounding possible connections to Russian directives behind these incidents, with allegations of monetary incentives offered to crews to execute such actions. With concerns echoing across the Baltic and Nordic regions, there is rising urgency for establishing stricter navigation rules and protocols to safeguard underwater infrastructure, as raised by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys.
Although investigations continue and the initial empirical findings suggest involvement by the Yi Peng 3, the absence of access to the vessel poses significant obstacles. Swedish investigators, alongside Western intelligence, remain adamant about clarifying the exact cause of the cable severing. Recent actions indicate the Yi Peng 3 is now en route to Egypt after departing, dodging possible legal scrutiny.
It’s remarkable, as expressed by Sweden's Foreign Minister, the vessel managed to leave without undergoing proper inspection, and as the ship approaches the last juncture of international waters before re-entering the wider maritime routes, concerns for the future of undersea cable security remain potent.
This situation serves as proof of interconnected vulnerability and shared responsibility among nations, emphasizing the need for forthright cooperation to prevent similar occurrences from compromising the stability of global communication networks.
