EU Countries Investigate Chinese Vessel Over Damaged Baltic Sea Data Cables

Representatives from four European countries—Germany, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden—have boarded the Chinese cargo vessel Yi Peng 3, which has been anchored in the Kattegat Sea for over a month. This investigation follows suspicions that the vessel was involved in the rupture of two undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea. The incident, which occurred in November, has drawn attention due to the strategic importance of these cables, which link several European countries.

Diplomatic Delays and Weather Conditions
The inspection of the Yi Peng 3 was initially scheduled to take place in early December but was delayed due to poor weather conditions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that the inspection would proceed once conditions improve. The vessel has remained anchored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark as diplomatic discussions between Stockholm and Beijing continue to determine access to the ship.

Cable Damage: Suspected Sabotage
The two damaged cables in question are vital communication links between Finland and Germany, and Lithuania and Sweden. Swedish authorities suspect that the Yi Peng 3, which had been observed in the area around the time of the damage, may have deliberately severed the cables by dragging its anchor along the seabed. Investigators are focusing on whether the damage was a result of sabotage, though initial seismic data from NORSAR, a Norwegian monitoring foundation, found no explosive activity in the region.

China Denies Involvement
Chinese authorities have denied any involvement in the damage, with Beijing claiming it had no information about the incident. However, they have expressed a willingness to engage with the relevant European authorities to resolve the matter. This diplomatic stance is critical as the situation may affect the broader geopolitical relationship between China and Europe, particularly regarding critical infrastructure in the Baltic region.

Broader Concerns and Security Implications
The damage to the cables comes at a time when European countries are already concerned about the security of their energy and communication infrastructure. This follows the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and the Balticconnector gas pipeline in recent years, incidents that have heightened security concerns across the region. Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, emphasized the need for increased vigilance in securing infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, given the region’s strategic significance.