Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated on Tuesday (November 26) that Sweden has requested a Chinese vessel to return to Swedish waters to cooperate with the investigation into the cutting of an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea.
In less than 24 hours on November 17 and 18, two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged, raising suspicions of intentional sabotage. These illegal activities occurred in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone, prompting Swedish prosecutors to initiate a preliminary investigation.
According to Reuters, Kristersson said in a press conference, “From the Swedish side, we have been in contact with the ship and also with the Chinese side, expressing our hope that the ship will sail towards Swedish waters.”
Data from the maritime tracking organization Marine Traffic shows that the Chinese-registered vessel “Yi Peng 3” initially departed from Ust-Luga in Russia en route to Port Said in Egypt, passing near the two cables on November 17 and 18. The data indicates that other vessels have also passed through the area where the incidents occurred on the same day.
The two severed cables connected Sweden and Lithuania, and Finland and Germany, respectively.
The Danish military stated that its ships are near the Chinese bulk carrier “Yi Peng 3.” The vessel is currently in international waters but within Denmark’s exclusive economic zone.
Prime Minister Kristersson stated, “We are not making accusations, but we seek clarification on what has happened.”
“This is the second serious cable damage incident to occur within a relatively short period of time,” he said, adding that Sweden hopes for a proactive response from Beijing to this request.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Monday that China has maintained “smooth communication” with all relevant parties.
Last year, an undersea natural gas pipeline and several telecommunication cables in the Baltic Sea were severely damaged. Finnish authorities at the time believed the incident was caused by a Chinese vessel dragging its anchor. However, investigators did not specify whether last year’s damage was accidental or intentional.