Sweden Calls for Chinese Ship to Return for Undersea Cable Investigation

Wednesday 27 November 2024 - 13:31

Sweden has formally requested that a Chinese vessel return to its waters to assist in the investigation of recent damage to undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea. This call for cooperation, announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, underscores the need for clarity regarding the incidents without directly attributing blame.

The breaches, which occurred on November 17 and 18, affected two subsea cables—one linking Finland and Germany and another connecting Sweden to Lithuania. These incidents have sparked international concern, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggesting sabotage as a potential cause. In response, Sweden, Germany, and Lithuania have initiated criminal investigations.

A Chinese bulk carrier, identified as Yi Peng 3, has emerged as a focal point in the investigation. According to an analysis of MarineTraffic data, the ship's movements align with the time and location of the breaches. The vessel is currently stationary in international waters within Denmark’s exclusive economic zone and is under close surveillance by Danish military forces.

Kristersson emphasized Sweden’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “We have communicated with the ship and with China, expressing our wish for the vessel to approach Swedish waters to aid the investigation.” While he refrained from making accusations, Kristersson stressed the importance of uncovering the facts surrounding the breaches.

China’s foreign ministry acknowledged the communication, reiterating its commitment to international cooperation on the security of submarine cables and infrastructure. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “China consistently supports efforts to maintain the security of such infrastructure in accordance with international law.”

Although U.S. Naval Intelligence has preliminarily assessed the incidents as accidental, officials from other nations maintain that sabotage remains a possibility. Katja Bego, a Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, noted that while most undersea cable damages are accidental, the geopolitical context necessitates a thorough investigation.

“Determining intent is a complex process,” Bego explained, adding that even if a party is identified, proving deliberate sabotage can be exceedingly difficult.

Russia, often scrutinized in matters involving Baltic Sea infrastructure, dismissed allegations of involvement as “absurd.”

The recent incidents evoke memories of a similar case in 2023, when undersea gas pipelines and telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged. Finnish authorities suggested that the damage may have been caused by a Chinese ship’s anchor, though they did not conclude whether the act was intentional.

Sweden’s request for cooperation from China highlights the growing international focus on securing vital underwater infrastructure amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the Baltic region. As investigations continue, clarity and collaboration will be key to addressing the vulnerabilities of these critical systems.